Words Through a Window

Life in Assisted Living During a Pandemic

In 2015, at just 24 years old, I was given the opportunity to work at a retirement community here in Starkville. I worked there for 3 years and I am convinced that those years will always be some of the sweetest, most memorable years of my life. I only have one regret, and that is not writing more stories down! I had the pleasure of working with one of the greatest generations that ever lived. Many of the people in the community grew up during the Great Depression, served in WWII, and so much more. And I'll tell you this, this is not a generation you want to vent to and talk about how hard life is - ha! They will politely listen, but this is a generation that truly knows what struggle is and many of them will be quick to remind you how blessed you are. This retirement community was full of people with such a rich life history. They worked extremely hard for what they have now, they value fellowship and meaningful conversations, and listen intently. We can learn so much from this age group.

I had the pleasure of going back to this community to have some conversations about the pandemic with a few of our FBC members who currently live in assisted living. I reached out to Ann Brent to get her thoughts on how things have been and she said, "Since social interaction is so necessary for mental health, the thing we miss the most is not getting to eat together in the dining room at mealtime. We will certainly be glad when that is changed." I was able to arrange a window visit with a couple of our other members and I can definitely say that was a first! I imagine a few people walking or driving by thought I looked a little strange squatting in the bushes for a couple of hours, but the conversations with my friends were more than worth it. I met with Jim Collins first and after we got done laughing about visiting with each other through a window, I got his thoughts on how things were going. He said, "Man, we sure are missing being together in that dining room! We always look forward to being together for three meals a day and for two months we have had to eat in our rooms by ourselves and that has been tough. When I moved here a little over four years ago, I realized how important it would be to have friends here - these friends have now become family."

Finally, I got to speak with Frances Langerfeld. When I asked for her thoughts she replied, "Well, nobody can help what is going on, but everyone here has done what they can do to protect us and the employees. I miss the fellowship and the visitors. I miss singing hymns together, Sunday school, and devotionals. I really miss the beauty shop and getting my nails done! My problems are so small though. I am thankful for all the time I have had to pray for people all over the world. You know, I went through the Great Depression, WWII, all sorts of changes. My mother worked non-stop from dusk until dawn. We don't know why these things happen, but we know the Lord is in control. I am 98 years old, as you well know, and I have had more time to spend in my room to read, think, and write to people who have played a special role in my life. I feel closer to Heaven than I ever have before. Recently, I was able to visit with my family through this window for Mother's Day and that meant so much to me. I encourage you all to keep holding on and continue to trust in the Lord with all your heart. I believe the Church as a whole is better than it has ever been. It is so encouraging to see the number of people serving and just being the hands and feet of Jesus."

I want to encourage you to continue to pray for those in assisted living and nursing homes as they remain under such tight restrictions. Consider grabbing a prayer list from the church and mention our members by name in prayer. Our intimacy with God deepens when we do this. And as we all continue to weather this storm, remember this song Ms. Frances sang to me as I got ready to leave:

"One day at a time, sweet Jesus
Thats all I'm asking of You
Just give me the strength to do everyday
What I have to do
Yesterday’s gone, sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Lord, help me today
Show me the way
One day at a time”