As summer drew to a close, we asked residents’ families and loved ones to reflect on their loved one’s favorite summertime memories!
KING OF FUN IN THE SUN
Shared by Karen K., Daughter of George, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover Resident
My dad, George, owned a summer home in Lake Havasu City, complete with a boat. Other family members and friends owned in the area as well, and they loved going out on the water at the same time, where many stories were told and more were made!
A good summer day for my dad would start with his crew gathered around for breakfast and Bloody Marys followed by a few hours on the lake. They’d often find an island and hang out there all day and build bonfires at night. Back on shore, my dad would drive around in his golf cart and help other people set up or work on their boats. He was very social and well-liked throughout the community. He always had a smile on his face, especially in the summer!
GOLFER, HORTICULTURIST & HUMMINGBIRD WHISPERER
Shared by Maureen M., Wife of Frank, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover Resident
My husband, Frank, has a trove of summer stories. He loved to golf and was an excellent player! He’s the youngest of three dear friends who golfed every Saturday and Sunday morning: John, Gerry and Frank. He was up at 5:00 a.m. each morning so the trio was first on the links at Poland Spring golf course in Maine, while the air was still nice and cool.
Frank also has a green thumb and loved to plant flowers, whether the ground needed them or not! At the beginning of each planting season, part of his routine was to dig along the road’s edge to resurrect the small stone wall that had inevitably fallen under the previous winter’s heavy snowfalls. He’d then plant flowers along the entire front of the house. It was a beautiful welcome as we pulled into the driveway: bright pinks and purples and yellows!
My husband hated fishing, but he wasn’t one to discourage another person’s hobbies! He made sure all his grandchildren had their own fishing rod and equipment to use during their frequent visits to Maine. And he did find a special joy in caring for the hummingbirds who visited the yard. He’d quietly add fresh water to the hanging feeder all summer, so the birds knew they were welcome. And we knew when they arrived because we could hear their hums from inside the house as they fed on the sweetened water Frank had made for them!
As a resident of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, Frank still very much enjoys the outdoors and gardening at the community. “I enjoyed planting rhododendrons, tomatoes and green beans. I loved being out in the sunshine. I had a small garden, and I cared for it about two to three times a week, and sometimes my kids would help out. I loved the quiet time outside!” said Frank, reflecting on his pastime.
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, our Life Enrichment team loves to use these types of stories to create meaningful opportunities for engagement for our residents. Through learning not only about our residents interests today, but also their hobbies and family history, we are able to personalize our programs and activities to enrich their lives.