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‘LONG HAUL’ THE


TO HOME Harold Burkholder, a resident of Welsh Mountain Home, grew up in East Earl,


Pennsylvania, where he was an active member of Lichty’s Mennonite Church. As a young man, he and his youth group would visit Welsh Mountain Home to sing for the residents.


H


arold’s career was centered around driving trucks, a job he loved deeply. He spent


many years hauling milk from Lancaster County to dairy processing plants in Northeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Te best part of his job was interacting with the farmers, especially the Amish families with whom he worked. He cherished the strong relationships he built with these families.


After the passing of his wife, Telma, in 2019, Harold transitioned to long-haul trucking. Tis new chapter in his career took him across all 48 contiguous states and several Canadian provinces. His favorite load was Dutch Gold honey, which he enjoyed transporting to the West Coast.


In December 2023, Harold faced medical complications that forced him to give up trucking. While he was in the hospital, his sons began searching for a new place for him to live. Tey found Welsh Mountain Home; a place Harold hadn’t thought about in years. He moved there in May and has been happy with the decision ever since.


Harold enjoys the sense of community at Welsh Mountain Home. Music continues to play an important role in his life. He loves the times of singing and the performances by visiting groups, as well as singing programs broadcast to WMH from Landis Homes. He also appreciates the care and kindness of the team members, and the delicious food prepared by Chef Paula.


Church remains a vital part of Harold’s life. He attends Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community, close to his childhood home. Every Sunday, someone from the congregation picks him up and takes him to the services, a gesture that means a lot to him.


Welsh Mountain Home Executive Director, Mona Frey, says, “It is a pleasure to have Harold as part of our community. His compassion for people is evident by the way he interacts with the other residents and team members.”


Harold’s story is a beautiful example of how enriching the lives of others, staying strong in faith, and building relationships can shape a fulfilling life and cultivate community.


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Fall 2024 • 7


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