Mervin and Debra Wenger spend many afternoons chatting in the living room where they got married over 40 years ago.


Enriching


Each Day, Together


Mervin often takes Debra out for a walk in her wheelchair to watch for butterflies as they continue to add to their list of local identified species for the North American Butterfly Association—a record they have documented for decades. “Just this morning, I noticed a Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar climbing on our house,” Mervin shares, “and we got to enjoy him for a while.”


A


lthough many things have changed since Debra received a diagnosis of Parkinsonism and Aphasia in 2020, their


shared love of nature has not diminished.


“It’s important to help keep Debra’s mind sharp,” Mervin says, “While we walk, I tell her to keep an eye out for the butterflies, so we don’t miss any!”


Both lifelong locals, Mervin retired from work in senior care and Debra from education. Debra began her career at Kissel Hill Elementary, then moved to Manheim Township Middle School and then the district administrative office. She was elected to the Warwick School Board and served the students and local community in leadership for over 12 years.


Mervin began to notice changes in his wife’s balance and memory over the last few years. Te loss of dexterity and the impact on her memory led her to an earlier retirement than expected. Te Wengers’ estate planning attorney and doctor both suggested they consider an Adult Day Services program, and Mervin notes, “I knew the industry in this area well enough to know Landis Adult Day Services (ADS) was where I wanted to go.”


Christy Carpenter, Director of Landis ADS, says, “Deb is one of those people who easily starts conversations since she is knowledgeable in so many areas. She provides a natural bridge for people who first come here!”


Te relationships formed among peers at Landis Adult Day Services are also very special. “I just love being with people,” Debra says. “I’m a real people person.” Although her speech has been impacted, and Mervin notes that he is now often the ‘talker’ in place of his wife, she adds, “I greet others to make them feel welcome.”


Christy agrees, saying, “Deb is welcoming in many ways to ensure no one feels lost or wonders what they might do next!” At ADS, Debra especially loves the homestyle food and the trivia competitions.


Both Debra and Mervin emphasize that their joy comes from within, due to their deep faith in God. “John 14:27 is very precious to us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” Mervin says. “I love Debra so much, and our faith is what preserves us in difficulty.”


“The love of God gives us peace,” Debra adds.


Mervin notes that Debra’s mission to share kindness is the same as it’s always been, even though she’s no longer a school board member, an administrator, or a regular hostess. He says, “I tell her, ‘Just do what you’ve always done: keep smiling. Maybe you can’t bake pies or work at the school, but your smile’s how you can love others.’”


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Fall 2023 • 5


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