PRIMETIME LIVI NG YOU R B E ST I N TH E P R I M E OF YOU R LI F E
R H O D Y B E AT. C O M
life lessons
Peacefully coexisting during a pandemic By DON FOWLER “Don, will you please close the refrigerator door,” Joyce shouted as I stood there trying to decide between Diet Pepsi and iced tea. That was our major confrontation for day 150 of being together almost 24 hours a day. We discovered that we were getting along better during our shelter in place than we have in our sixty plus years of marriage. We had learned to put aside most of those little irritants and pet peeves and peaceably coexist. While psychologists are writing articles about the difficulties of living closely together for long periods of time, and counseling couples who are having problems coping with the situation, many of us have grown stronger in our relationship. In our eighties, with a variety of pre-conditions, we are well aware of the precautions we need to take during the pandemic. Working together, we have yet to need home care or an assisted living facility.
seniors coping with covid-19
Tara and Mike
Tara is a veterinarian; Mike is a high school teacher. They met on line a couple of years ago, dated, found themselves to be compatible, and moved into a small apartment together. Weeks before the pandemic they bought a large house in a rural Connecticut town, became engaged, and began planning a fall wedding. Both are cat lovers, spending much of their time fostering cats (Feline home care) from Tara’s clinic, while fixing up their new home, and spending a lot of time together. The pandemic has brought them closer together.
Alex and Larisa
Mike and Robin
Alex and Larisa graduated from medical school together, went to work at the same hospital, moved in together, and, just before the pandemic hit, moved to Boston, where they work in different hospitals. Sharing a condo overlooking Fenway Park, and looking forward to an active social life in the city, they soon found themselves facing long hours at their chosen professions and coming home to their small condo completely exhausted. Larisa is isolated from her family in Brazil, and the two have little time or opportunity to see his family and their mutual friends. Finally, they both were able to take a week off and spend it together on Martha’s Vineyard. They sent a photo to Alex’s mom showing the two of them at Gay Head, with Larissa’s hand over Alex’s heart. What was that on her finger? Yes, it was an engagement ring. They are back at work now, two front-line heroes doing their individual jobs, and returning home to be together, survivors of the pandemic era.
Coming Soon! BRAND NEW
Memory Support Neighborhood
Scott and Sandy
Scott and Sandy live in a trailer in Connecticut. His casino job was eliminated and she has disabilities that prevent her from working. They have spent the last four and a half months making face masks, most of which they have donated to the local schools and community organizations. They are also selling a small portion of the masks to put food on the table. Scott’s skills, which he did not get from his father, have allowed him to do some handyman work and to turn his small trailer into a comfortable home. Their marriage has grown closer by working together.
Mike and Robin have been married for many years. Mike is a retired doctor, while Robin still works as a nurse educator. Robin had been working long hours, traveling to two campuses in Connecticut from their home in East Greenwich, while Mike stayed at home, caring for the house and dog. The pandemic found Robin at home in front of her computer doing distance teaching. With less travel, they have again been able to spend more time together, and actually sit down at a reasonable time to enjoy dinner together.
Our Children and Grandchildren Give Us Strength
We have missed seeing our grandchildren, children and their spouses over this long period of social distancing, back take much comfort in what they are doing to keep their relationships strong while making a difference in the world. Joyce and I look back at our lives together, content that our love was strong enough to survive many obstacles, including a pandemic. Although we miss seeing our grown children and grandchildren, we live with the knowledge that they are our heroes.
We are almost ready to open our brand new, safe and secure memory support neighborhood! Boasting 22 private apartments, beautiful courtyard with walking path, cozy living room with fireplace, state-of-the-art IN2L (It’s Never Too Late) system combines touch screen computers with intuitive, picture-based software, fully-trained staff, and so much more.
Now scheduling VIP TOURS by calling 401-421-6610.
12 Old Pocasset Lane Johnston, RI 02919 401-421-6610 AnchorBayPocasset.com