Her eyes light up when you ask about her past, and she is quick to recount stories of family, each memory a priceless heirloom. Della Riley grew up in Chicago during the Great Depression, but she recalls only the sense of abundance and safety that characterized her home. Della's mother was Italian, and she nurtured a garden in the heart of their city block — a garden whose colorful fruits and vegetables were both a visual and a nutritional treasure. "She cooked the most delicious meals from those fresh vegetables!" says Della, "and I spent hours with her, canning tomatoes in true Italian style."

Nature's abundance in the midst of economic crisis — Della learned early the true meaning of providence. And now at Providence Rehabilitation of Palos Heights, she is quick to express appreciation for the extra-ordinary care she receives.