It began in February of 2022. Debbie Frey was a brand new resident at Welsh Mountain Home. She sat down at a table for lunch, unsure of her future at this new residence. Merle Becker, another resident, was at the same table. He smiled at her and introduced himself, so they began chatting. Debbie thought he was very nice, and she really wanted to get to know him better.
“Debbie first caught my attention when I was out in
A NEW LIFE, Together the garden,” says Merle. “She and another resident
were out on the swing, chatting and swinging along, and I thought, she looks great for her age!” What stood out to Merle was Debbie’s compassionate and loving personality. She was open about her thoughts, and he loved that about her. “It was these qualities that I wanted in a wife and a partner,” exclaimed Merle.
One day, Merle decided to take their friendship to a new level. He had a photo of himself in his room, so he took the photo, and on the back, wrote ‘Debbie, you are a great person’. She took the photo without saying anything, and ever since then, they were officially a couple.
Fast forward a few months to October 21, 2022. Merle suggested they take a walk outside to the gazebo. Tere, he fell to one knee, and asked Debbie to be his wife. She
excitedly said ‘yes!’ “I was so surprised!” said Debbie following the proposal. Debbie’s brother and sister- in-law, Jeff and Mona Frey, along with other team members, were there for the special event – the first known marriage proposal in Welsh Mountain Home’s almost 100 year history.
Tey set the date of the wedding for January 7, 2023. Even though the day itself was busy and stressful, the moment they shared their vows was tender and beautiful. Family and friends all gathered to witness the moment. “It was beautiful,” says Merle about the wedding. “I came walking out with a wife. It just fulfilled my heart.”
After the wedding reception the happy couple came back to Welsh Mountain Home. Due to the limited space, residents weren’t able to attend the wedding itself, but were invited to the dining room to participate in the cake cutting and watch the first dance of the married couple.
When asked about their relationship, Merle explains, while smiling at Debbie, “It’s great doing things together. In scripture, in Genesis, God said that Adam needed a helper, so he created Eve. Living in a retirement home with a spouse makes everything better.”
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Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2023
CULTIVATING GROWTH
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