We Will Remember You

Everleigh.  It is part of a trend in our modern times. Whatever happens and whatever we think, it is certainly different than how older generations lived in the past.  We have chosen or have been enticed into living our lives in a rather communal style.  The best part is that we can choose how communal we want to be!  Some of us participate in everything we possibly can.  Others pick and choose.  A few just stay in their apartments and choose not to engage at all.  

One day I expect a graduate student will come knocking on our doors and begin interviewing  any willing candidates.  Just what is this lifestyle we are living?  Many have found it similar to going back to college without the drudgery of classes.  Others have claimed it is too much like middle school.  

One aspect that I could not prepare myself for is that because this is supposedly the last stop for many of us we are forced to say a final goodbye to people we have learned to cherish.  It is probably the toughest thing about living here.  I hope so far that we have honored them all.

At other times people just move for many different reasons.  They are remembered fondly but not with sadness.  We get to say goodbye and wish them well.  Hopefully we stay in touch too.

Lately I have been thinking of a few people who just seem to disappear.  You realize that you haven't seen someone for a few days or a week.  If you ask around you discover that they went on a trip and had a problem or they have been hospitalized.  Something happened.   Unfortunately,  due to circumstances they can't return because they may need more care or more meals and facilities.   We never get a chance to say goodbye.  

So far  there have been three people that I personally know about who quietly left that way.  First there was Vera Antoon.  She always had family members visiting her and they also visited with the rest of us.  It seemed to be such a happy family which made sense because Vera was such a happy person.  Unfortunately, Vera went on a trip and did not come back.  She needed to live somewhere with more care.  

Next we had Bill Newkirk.  We will miss his Christmas fruitcake but we will miss him more.  He was always in a good mood. Bill had a chance to say goodbye to a few people when he returned to pick up some of his stuff.  It was always a joy to see him at any of our social gatherings because he upped the laughter and smiles.

Finally, today I heard that Betty Maloney will not be returning.  She was such a sweet, charming person.  Even though she was often in pain there was always a big smile for everyone.   Betty attended as many of our parties as she could and was a welcome addition.  We will all miss her presence!

 I am sure there are more people that have left that I am not aware of.  One thing I know is that they can keep on checking up on us by getting the 504 emails.  If any of you former neighbors are reading this maybe you could drop a line and let us know how you are doing.  I include everyone in that suggestion, even you who have left because you just found a more convenient home.  We haven't forgotten any of you.  You were all once part of the gang.  

We miss you.