Five Chairs and a Table of Friendship
When Barbara moved into Park Place of St. John just before Christmas, she was clear about one thing: she didn’t want to be there.
“I wanted to stay in my home,” she admitted. “My attitude was very bad. I wasn’t a very pleasant person to be around.”
That changed, she said, thanks to the people around her. “With the help of all these people, I’m a much better person. I enjoy being here now. The staff is wonderful.”
Barbara was one of five women who recently sat down to reflect on life at Park Place. Along with her were Betty, Lydia, Shirley, and Irene—each with a unique story, but all with one thing in common: they’ve found friendship in a place they once resisted.
Betty, who moved in four months ago, shared a similar journey. “I did not want to come. I had been very sick and still have some health problems. I just couldn’t live alone anymore.” But things began to change, she said, by simply talking with others at meals. “You find people who are similar to you. And the staff? They’re great.”
Betty especially lights up when the children from local Christian schools visit. “I love when the kids come in and sing,” she said. “They helped us play bingo the other day—kids from St. John the Evangelist. One of them called the numbers, and he was excellent!”
Bingo, in fact, is a favorite pastime for all five women. Whether it’s a prize-winning game or just a chance to laugh together, it’s something they look forward to, especially when it’s followed by time spent enjoying the fresh air outside.
Lydia, who has been at Park Place for 13 months, says she appreciates the comfort and care. “There’s always a nurse around—and that’s very important,” she said. “Plus, my new neighbor is Betty,” she added with a smile.
She also values time with her family. “My relatives come often. That helps.”
Irene, who transitioned from skilled nursing to assisted living two months ago, shared how much the move has meant to her. “I worked hard to get well enough to come over here,” she said. “The staff is wonderful. I really have no complaints.”
She also complimented the uplifting environment. “There’s good entertainment, and Chaplain Mark is great. It’s comfortable here.”
For Shirley, who has been a resident for two years, the advice she gives newcomers is simple: “You have to say to yourself, ‘This is where I am, and this is my home.’ Then you’ve got to get out and get involved.”
Shirley appreciates the way people look out for each other. “If someone’s not feeling well, we check in. That matters.” She also credits the staff for making Park Place feel like more than just a building. “Some of the staff are extra special. The life enrichment people are great.”
These women may not have known each other before moving in, but now they share meals, play games, attend chapel, and even just drop by each other’s rooms for a chat. Betty often visits Barbara’s room, and their conversations help fill the days with comfort and connection.
There’s something unmistakably special about the way these five women support each other. They’ve turned a new chapter in life—one that started with reluctance—into a story of belonging.
