There was a reason for the thank-you delay: We moved.
If there was any doubt that we are now senior citizens -- you did not really doubt that, did you? -- it now is official.
We now live in a "retirement community" (which means senior citizens). And we are happy about it.
This was Bea's dream. Over the past five years, skeptical me became convinced this was the right thing to do.
So this move is my 71st birthday and my Father's Day present this year.
Our new home is on the edge of downtown Fort Worth, a complex of three high-rise buildings -- and it is a well-respected, highly recommended and well-run facility.
We visited here -- by invitation -- more than a couple of times and became more and more convinced this was the right community for us. So, yes, I was recruited.
It is our 16th move in 41 years together -- it has been a long road, folks -- and we are 99 percent sure it is our last one.
The apartment we just left, near the Trinity River and Colonial Country Club (about 100 yards across the river from the fourth green), was almost new when we moved in eight years ago. We liked it, but it is not so new now. We lived there longer than any place in our time together.
Moving in here -- sixth floor, in the original of the three buildings -- we have had to downsize considerably. But we have been doing that for years.
What that forces is to choose practicality over sentimentality; we let go of things we had for decades. For instance, I had clippings, photos and magazines/newspapers from way, way back. They are gone. Copied what I could into computer files.
But we came into a completely scrapped and then refurbished apartment. Everything is new.
That was one incentive. Also, health care is a top priority here, with an extensive program and facilities. And there is a long-term financial guarantee.
Sure, it is costly. Honestly, I did not think we could do it. But with the guidance of our financial advisor and the help of our sales rep here (the can-do-it-all Gretchen Lincoln), it became doable.
Some expenses -- such as utilities -- were cut. And because transportation is provided in many instances, we are not going to need our car as often, and eventually plan to do without it. (If we need to rent a car for trips, there is a rental company within five minutes.)
We have found the management staff and workers here so competent and cooperative. And the people in the community have been overwhelmingly welcoming these first three days.
Lots of older people here; yesterday I met a woman who is 97 and a man in his mid-90s, both residents here for more than 20 years.
So we are among the younger residents and we think, we hope, we can be helpful here. A number of residents are not-yet-retired doctors and attorneys and many others carry on busy lives outside this community.
I will not be the biggest baseball fan here. One fairly new resident is baseball royalty -- a New York Yankees World Series star, high-ranking baseball executive who has had a rich, full life of excellence in medicine, too.
There is a general store in the building, workout facility, a heated indoor swimming pool, all sorts of exercise and wellness areas, a library, an office-type workroom, rooms for visiting (with card games and puzzles), and there are many scheduled activities (shopping trips, speakers, exercise, special occasions).
This was Bea's dream. Over the past five years, skeptical me became convinced this was the right thing to do.
So this move is my 71st birthday and my Father's Day present this year.
The view from our sixth-floor patio looking southeast in Fort Worth. |
We visited here -- by invitation -- more than a couple of times and became more and more convinced this was the right community for us. So, yes, I was recruited.
It is our 16th move in 41 years together -- it has been a long road, folks -- and we are 99 percent sure it is our last one.
The apartment we just left, near the Trinity River and Colonial Country Club (about 100 yards across the river from the fourth green), was almost new when we moved in eight years ago. We liked it, but it is not so new now. We lived there longer than any place in our time together.
Moving in here -- sixth floor, in the original of the three buildings -- we have had to downsize considerably. But we have been doing that for years.
What that forces is to choose practicality over sentimentality; we let go of things we had for decades. For instance, I had clippings, photos and magazines/newspapers from way, way back. They are gone. Copied what I could into computer files.
But we came into a completely scrapped and then refurbished apartment. Everything is new.
That was one incentive. Also, health care is a top priority here, with an extensive program and facilities. And there is a long-term financial guarantee.
Sure, it is costly. Honestly, I did not think we could do it. But with the guidance of our financial advisor and the help of our sales rep here (the can-do-it-all Gretchen Lincoln), it became doable.
Some expenses -- such as utilities -- were cut. And because transportation is provided in many instances, we are not going to need our car as often, and eventually plan to do without it. (If we need to rent a car for trips, there is a rental company within five minutes.)
We have found the management staff and workers here so competent and cooperative. And the people in the community have been overwhelmingly welcoming these first three days.
Lots of older people here; yesterday I met a woman who is 97 and a man in his mid-90s, both residents here for more than 20 years.
So we are among the younger residents and we think, we hope, we can be helpful here. A number of residents are not-yet-retired doctors and attorneys and many others carry on busy lives outside this community.
I will not be the biggest baseball fan here. One fairly new resident is baseball royalty -- a New York Yankees World Series star, high-ranking baseball executive who has had a rich, full life of excellence in medicine, too.
There is a general store in the building, workout facility, a heated indoor swimming pool, all sorts of exercise and wellness areas, a library, an office-type workroom, rooms for visiting (with card games and puzzles), and there are many scheduled activities (shopping trips, speakers, exercise, special occasions).
Bea already is set to work in "white elephant" monthly sales shop (clothes, furniture, knick-knacks, etc.); various book clubs are available; and Bea wants to start a coloring (book) club.
We can walk -- if the weather is decent -- to the YMCA where we exercise 3-4 days a week and the Fort Worth Central Library -- a frequent stop for us -- is across the street from the Y.
We can walk -- if the weather is decent -- to the YMCA where we exercise 3-4 days a week and the Fort Worth Central Library -- a frequent stop for us -- is across the street from the Y.
If, long-term, we need a car for trips, a rental company is closeby. So are banks. So are big shopping areas; we already have tried that walk. And our new facility provided us with a shopping cart.
Because we now have one bedroom, one bath and a smaller living area and kitchen, we carefully chose what to bring.
Moving is never easy, but we are experienced and Bea did most of the packing because one of us knows what they are doing.
It is a new adventure, and it is exciting. The facility's assistant executive director, extending a welcome Tuesday, said, "You are on a cruise ship now. Enjoy it."
Moving is never easy, but we are experienced and Bea did most of the packing because one of us knows what they are doing.
It is a new adventure, and it is exciting. The facility's assistant executive director, extending a welcome Tuesday, said, "You are on a cruise ship now. Enjoy it."
We intend to enjoy it. Come see us.
From Gretchen Lincoln: I teared up reading your blog entry. Helping both of you has been one of the most rewarding job experiences for me. I am fulfilled knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of people I am so fortunate to help in this journey. It took some time, but everything came together in perfect order for you all to be here. Welcome to our cruise ship!
ReplyDeleteFrom Jeff Rude: Congrats on the new place. Hope you love it.
ReplyDeleteFrom Kitty van der Woude: That sounds interesting. The moment I will hear of a senior home with a heated indoor pool I´ll move, but so far I have not seen anything and I told the girls to keep me out of ordinary senior homes. I know two good ones here [Amsterdam area], no pools though. One is for artists and has tiny rooms and the other one is in the south of the country [The Netherlands]. What is expensive in the U.S? Congratulations on your birthday and the great move. I hope you will have a great many years of happiness there.
ReplyDeleteFrom Herschel Richard: Great to hear about your new digs. The baseball royalty you mention has to be Dr. Bobby Brown. I guess you know he went to Tulane Med School and played at least one year on the Tulane baseball team. He has great affection for Tulane because they let him come to med school during the off-season from the Yankees. When I was at Tulane there were several students who went to Tulane at the urging of Dr. Brown. Johnny and David Dalton were there because of Dr. Brown, and both became doctors. David O’Brien Jr. is a friend of Dr. Brown; David and I were in the same class at Tulane. You probably already knew most or all of the above but in case you don’t ...
ReplyDeleteFrom Leo Van Thyn: A big decision. We wish you happiness and good health in your new home.
ReplyDeleteFrom Linda Ponder: There is much to recommend retirement communities. I am reminded each time something breaks, needs changing, or just wears out. For now, I'm not ready to do without my kitchen, but I suspect my day will come. I need some serious counseling about the downsizing thing. Invariably, the minute I get rid of something, the reason I should have kept it pops up. While my age does not put me into the Depression Era folks, the fear of the next great depression was alive and well in my family. I think my family was among the first of the recycle/reuse movement. For today, big hugs and much love from the Ponder Ponderosa.
ReplyDeleteFrom Jim Pruett: Well well well...
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I have seen recently widowed old (meaning “older than us”) men arrive with a downcast demeanor only to blossom into a spirited smiling ambassador and other uplifting, selfless actions and presences by many with challenges of their own. And I also have seen the one who bore me, loved me, and raised me move from considerable independence through assisted living to the full-care stage. Sometimes it ain’t pretty. The process seems to have a mind of its own, not necessarily timed for convenience, individuals or couples or family caregivers. As a full-fledged member of category three, I have often struggled.
Faye’s favorite aunt, her mom’s older sister, “stayed on the farm” and cared for both parents till the bitter end. It seemed to be a heroic expectation of sorts. The price paid was also high. Those days are past. Thank goodness.
Where you guys have moved has all the markings of a top-notch landing field, a place to spread your wings. We -- and many of your friends/readers -- can see a similar “opportunity” in the days ahead. How does it feel to be a scout, Rowdy? 😇 I am confident you will let us know.
From Chuck Baker: Congratulations. Sharon and I downsized a year ago when we moved (also our last, we hope). Downsizing turned out to be a great decision.
ReplyDeleteFrom Jack Thigpen: Congratulations on your decision and the move. I hope you really enjoy your new home. Now rent that car and come see a Tech basketball game this year.
ReplyDeleteFrom John Whitmore: Your new home sounds great. Sandy and I recently downsized. Retirement and the golden years are meant to be enjoyable. You guys, like us, have good health. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteFrom Robbie Albright: Wow! Sounds like a dream. Don't be surprised if we "pop in" to say hey while visiting the kids (they live off Hulen Street). We'll call first! Enjoy, my friend, you deserve it!
ReplyDeleteFrom Gerry Robichaux: Glad you and Bea have made a move to new digs. Sounds like it will be fun. Patricia and I are still in the same old homestead, thinking about what we will do in the future. One of the reasons for staying is that we know where the furniture and walls are so we can steady ourselves as we move around. Both of us are having trouble walking but too proud to use a cane. In one concession to age, we have become clients of the Bossier Council on Aging and I go there every Wednesday for karaoke! Stand by Willie Nelson ...
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
From Stan Tiner: Sounds like a well-planned move -- and ideal for you guys.
ReplyDeleteFrom James Cottrell: My mom lived in such an environment. She became greatly involved in the community and she soon became a rock in many ways for others around her. Both her doctors and I credit the move for extending her life by 10 years. I’m very pleased for the two of you.
ReplyDeleteFrom Angelina Rice: It sounds like a great place. Have fun and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteFrom Peggy Eberhardt Russell: Your new place sounds very inviting. I hope both of you will be very happy in your new home.
ReplyDeleteFrom Lonnie Dunn:Sounds like you and Bea planned this out with some serious contemplation! Enjoy this new chapter in your life! 👍🏼🐞
ReplyDeleteFrom Deborah Collins: It sounds wonderful, wishing you much happiness in your new home.
ReplyDeleteFrom Tim Hall: I read your recent post on downsizing with interest. Carol and I went through the process of divesting ourselves of a whole lot of “stuff” about nine months ago. We had been scaling down a bit at a time for the last several years. The move last October was the clincher … we sold our house and divested ourselves of a moving van full of belongings. Everything we own now fits into a one bedroom ground floor apartment with an attached garage. Fifteen relocations (and 22 moves) in a work career and almost fifty years of home ownership are all in the rearview mirror. We sleep a lot better these days.
ReplyDelete