Snowdrops, daffodils , and crocuses, oh my! As the earth reawakens to another spring, the residents are longing for their own kind of rebirth. As the temperatures rise and each day’s light lingers, we look forward with anticipation to the opening of the sun room, which beckons in the wonder and beauty and light of the outdoors. The back yard is coming alive in preparation for summer, a lovely time when friends and family gather outdoors to share a picnic, chat about old times and current events, or listen to the sounds of a local band. In many ways, living at Heathwood feels just like being at home listening to Lawrence Welk. Some have even been known to bust a move or two!
At Heathwood it doesn’t matter how many candles you have on your cake—72 or 102—every birthday is a special opportunity to say “Hey, I’m tickled pink that you were born!” On Friday, May 3, we will gladly and wholeheartedly indulge in cake and ice cream together, in the dining room during lunch. Instead of counting calories, we will count our blessings for every person here who entrusts his or her future to us. Sing it with me now: ‘
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! ’And don’t worry, we’re right here on hand to help blow out that last stubborn candle that just won’t be snuffed!
Whether you like horses or not, you can’t deny the sheer excitement and contagious energy that pervades the media and all our homes when America’s greatest race—the Kentucky Derby—kicks off. Whether you have stakes in the race or not, there’s something about this historical event that makes even the most cynical person smile. I sit the majestic beauty of the horses? Is it the athletic prowess of the jockeys? Is it the remarkable hats that adorn the women? Is it the rose garland that first appeared when the winner, Ben Brush, received a floral arrangement of white and pink roses in 1896? Whatever it is that captures the hearts of people everywhere, we at Heathwood will be watching it together on May 4 during our very own “Run for the Roses.” We’re not horsing around when we say, we’re off to the races!
Eighty-one million pounds of avocados. That’s the amount that Americans consume around the nation when they celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5. Contrary to popular opinion, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. It commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla. At Heathwood we love an opportunity to party, and Cinco de Mayo provides a perfect backdrop. You can be sure that our amazing Wellness Team, led by Jim, is already planning a fun-filled celebration, and it may even include somewhat less than 81-millionpounds of guacamole!
When we say we love our volunteers, just what do we mean by that? Simply put, we love our volunteers! They run the gift shop that has so many important little things like candy bars and toothpaste. They help our staff provide one-on-one attention during a craft-making adventure. They go with us on excursions to parks and places. They dress up like clowns and make our residents feel young again. So yes, we love our volunteers because they enhance the home that is Heathwood. We are so thrilled to be able to recognize all those who go the extra mile, during our annual Appreciation Luncheon, on May 8.
