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February, 2013 Edition
Greetings!
Here at Sunshine Gardens we start the month of February with heavy hearts, full of gratitude & love, but also sadness. As the natural flow of life ebbs and flows, we have been experiencing a greater amount of loss over the last few months than we have seen for a while. One of our losses has been the passing of our beloved Lou Gans, who has written for the Blossom since its inception years ago.
In this month of love, while we celebrate life and all the good things it holds, we will also be remembering those who have passed and the fabulous marks they left on our lives.
In that spirit, we have dedicated this edition of the Blossom to Lou Gans, Assistant Editor.
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Lou's Caregiver's Corner
By: Christie Schler
Those of you who are long time followers of the Blossom know this column well. Lou religiously submitted articles for this section of the newsletter and never missed a month. His articles were synopses of interviews he conducted with the new staff to assure that everyone was aware of the new caregivers, where they come from, who their family is, their aspirations and much more. He was dedicated to this task and always delivered a new submission to Trish and then myself with sincerity and professionalism.
These writings were only one of many ways that Lou contributed to Sunshine Gardens... if he wasn't organizing a mayor to come speak to the residents, he was sitting at the piano asking people to name a tune or give him a tune to play, or he was at the front office challenging us to think about something new. He had a notable presence here at Sunshine Gardens and in the last few weeks as he took to retiring from some of his regular practices, there have been spaces left empty and quiet where he used to fill them. He pointedly told me over the last few months, that it is has always been his hope that other residents will be inspired by his willingness to contribute to the community here and that others will pick up where he left off and keep things going. He will be missed dearly, but he leaves us with encouragement to keep going & to never hesitate to insert ourselves where we might be of use to someone else.
In his usual style, he will have the last word. He left some of his thoughts with Trish back in June of 2010 in a moment of preparation for the inevitable. Those thoughts are written out bellow.
So, Lou, as I write these last words with tears in my eyes, I hear your words ringing in my ears... wishing you the best of everything!
Last Words for the Blossom
By: Lou Gans
My mind is made up. "They" are not going to advise me when it will be my time to enter the "next world" after I pass away, so it is best if I prepare some notes now to offer to you to digest and enjoy.
My stay at Sunshine Gardens West was the best way for my aging years to terminate. You too should strive towards this goal. Leave a legacy of joy and comfort for all of you.
Additionally, what can you offer in thoughts to Sunshine Gardens West to add or contribute to the institution? I hope I did. At least I tried. For example: the plaque in the dining room expresses my appreciation of the wonderful caregivers offering endless efforts to aid to our comfort.
Perhaps amongst you (the residents of Sunshine Gardens) someone could find Durango notables to continue our Conversation Hour program that I have organized and coordinated for years.
Hopefully some new resident can continue the "Name That Tune" program that I've so enjoyed playing with you all at the piano. I enjoyed it... did you?
Or, perhaps, with a little creativity, some other concepts... don't let me down!
Bill Steinberg, my Scrabble contestant, you could have let me win at least once! Elizabeth Southard please don't stop using your cliche's; they're part of your life. Mary Cardin, Anne & Ken, you all know my bath water always had to be real hot; henceforth my request to be cremated should not upset you. Someone, cancel my Herald subscription... many thanks to all.
With this I thee leave, thanks for your patience.
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When I think of my Lou-Lou, I think of...
By: Mary Cardin
- A big heart who is overly generous
- Unconditional love
- Showers on Monday mornings that start my week out right
- The phrase, "Oh, you have no idea!"
- PITA
- "You got it, Toyota"
- Pulling up your sock :-)
- Saving the Durango Herald for me everyday
- A head full of white, beautiful hair
- A man who likes to wear shorts even during the wintertime
- A man who is grateful for the little things done for him
- A man that has made a huge, positive difference at Sunshine Gardens
- A man that has made a huge, positive difference in MY life
- A man who wants to keep mentally sharp and stimulated, and who wants only the best for ones around him
- Someone who dearly loves his family, music, the English language, and a great, challenging conversation!
I know you think you must "go" sometime, but I do NOT want to think about life on a daily basis without my Lou-Lou! I love you so very much and have been blessed beyond measure to have had you in my life and to be a small part of YOUR life. Saying thank you doesn't seem adequate, but THANK YOU, Lou, for who you are and for loving me in return! Please know that just hearing your name and thinking of you will always bring a smile to my face and warm, loving feelings in my heart. Forever and always you'll be a part of me, Mary Cardin June 17, 2010
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Staff Memories of Lou
Please join us at Sunshine Gardens on Friday, February 8th around 3:30 in the afternoon, as we will be doing an honorary "Name That Tune" in Lou's honor. At this time staff will also have the opportunity to share memories of Lou and his time here at Sunshine Gardens. All are welcome.
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On the Lighter Side
By: Bobbie Ledgerwood
Jokes: The irony of life is that, by the time you are old enough to know your way around, you're not going anywhere... Every morning is the dawn of a new error... I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one!
A REQUEST FOR CHRISTMAS CARDS
I am collecting old Christmas cards. I am making an ABC book for my grandchildren. It takes hundreds of cards!! Please, if you have any old cards, or know of anyone who does, please bring them to me (Bobbie, room #20) or leave them in Christie's office in the box marked "Christmas Cards." Or call me and I'll come get them: Bobbie 259-4364. Thanks!
Upcoming Events:
TODAY! February 1st: Resident Talent Show in the Sunshine Room at 3:45pm
January 30th-February 3rd: SNOWDOWN!!
Durango's unique winter holiday!
Theme this year is "Get your geek on!"
Look for the Sunshine Gardens float in the parade!!
February 9th: Rotary Red Ball Event at Purgatory, good luck to everyone who bought a ticket!!!
February 22nd: VALENTINE'S DANCE
February 27th: Annual Senior Resource Fair and Caregiver Conference will be held at the Senior Center
This year's theme is Community Challenges: Meeting the Needs of Seniors, Providers, and Caregivers
Please Join Us!
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Thank you to everyone for contributing to the newsletter this month!
Take care & lots of love!!
Sincerely,
Christie Schler
Marketing Director
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Our mission is to create a forum about senior living topics,
as well as other adult assisted living news that matters most to you
(you being: the residents, staff, family & friends of Sunshine Gardens).
-Editor: Christie Schler
-Assistant to Editor: Lou Gans
-Monthly Writers: Bill Steinberg, Laddie John-Freelance Writers: Charlie Mitz, Bobbie Ledgerwood
*Other residents wishing to contribute, please contact Christie Schler
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