When Hal returned home a year later, he was invited out with friends. Tey decided to bring dates, but Hal didn’t have one. A friend recommended he call Audrey. He was confused at first, but then learned that her engagement had been called off. Still nervous, he had his buddy call her, and she agreed to meet. From then on, Hal flew home almost every weekend to spend time with her.
Audrey was a floral designer, and she had immigrant roots just like Hal. She loved flowers and music, and enjoyed playing the piano. Hal was quite taken with her. Tey were married in 1954. A great love had blossomed.
Hal and Audrey raised four children together. When Hal’s company closed after many years, they decided to move from New Jersey to Lancaster County, PA, where two of their daughters had settled with their families. It was around that time that Audrey was diagnosed with dementia. Hal and Audrey had caregivers coming to their house, but eventually one of their daughters sat down with Hal and discussed the possibility of moving into a retirement community. Tey were concerned that Audrey would have to go somewhere separate from Hal. At first, Hal was hesitant.
“Being in a place together as long as we could was the most important thing. So that’s what became my biggest priority. I put our names in at Landis Homes, but it was still a while before we moved in. When our apartment became available, we knew it was perfect timing. We loved the large flower beds outside our windows and that we could walk right outside,” Hal shared.
Hal and Audrey moved into Landis Homes in June of 2021. In September of 2021, Audrey fell and broke her hip, which necessitated a move to a higher level of care.
“It was heart-breaking to watch,” Hal shared. “She stopped playing piano and would sleep more often. But she still loved sitting in the Dogwood courtyard garden surrounded by the flowers. We even had her 91st birthday in that courtyard. Te staff was wonderful, and she received great care. I became friends with them because I was able to visit her every day. I also had good support from other residents who were experiencing similar situations. I don’t know what we would’ve done if we hadn’t lived here during that time.”
“I was able to visit her every day. I also had good support from other residents who were experiencing similar situations. I don’t know what we would’ve done if we hadn’t lived here during that time.”
Enriching
Lives, Together
Audrey passed away in November of 2021, and Hal began looking for a way to give back in gratitude for the kind, loving care Audrey received. Hal and two of his daughters decided that the best way to give back was to plant, weed, and water the Dogwood courtyard garden where Audrey liked to sit outside.
“I wasn’t looking for anyone to thank me so much as I was looking for a way to say “Tank You” to the staff at Landis Homes for the way they cared for her. I also wanted to do something that made me feel connected to Audrey, and my girls were able to help plant flowers with me. I’m grateful we were here during these challenging times, and I hope to inspire others to serve as a way of giving back.”
Landis.org | FLOURISH | Fall 2022 • 7
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24
