FOR A NEW CHAPTER GRATITUDE


GEORGE LONG IS IS THRIVING WITH NEWFOUND FRIENDS


A


t the age of 83, he arrived at Welsh Mountain Home and made himself at – well – home! His room has already acquired a reputation amongst staff and fellow residents as exceptionally tidy. He’s made his room even more cozy with the addition of extra curtains and a comfortable chair.


He attributes his neatness and flair for decoration to habits he formed early in life. He’s grateful to be in a place he can personalize and make his own.


He's also grateful for the location of Welsh Mountain Home, as it’s close to family. His daughter, Roberta, lives only three minutes down the road and his son, Arnold, is an hour away. He’s the proud grandfather to a grandson and two great-grandkids.


George, who was born on a farm in Cocalico, Northern Lancaster County, spent his life working in construction as a mason and carpenter. “I laid bricks for basements,” he remembers. “But then I started woodworking and did that for most of my career. I built new homes, schools, and churches.”


Because of his experience, he was especially interested in observing the renovations at Welsh Mountain Home and comparing the differences between construction practices today and construction practices years ago.


His work brought him several “close calls,” as he says. He recalls one incident in which he climbed on top of a roof to put shingles on and needed to return to the ground to fetch a tool, but as he began his descent, the ladder slipped. His fall broke two rungs of the ladder – and his right leg, which was found to be broken in fifteen places between his ankle and knee. He needed a year off to recover.


“I think about all the operations I’ve had – not just from construction,” George shares. “And I think about all the times that I was so close to death, I think, ‘Well, Lord, You had Your chance right there,’ but He wasn’t done with me yet.”


Despite his close calls, George is grateful for his life and all he’s experienced. “If I could go back to the age of 16 and know what I know now, there are a lot of things I’d change,” he says. “But the one thing I would always do over is marry my wife, Pauline. We had over 50 years together.”


George is grateful for his new chapter at Welsh Mountain Home, for the friends he’s making, and the fun he’s having. “You can do as little or as much as you want,” he shares, regarding activity participation. He appreciates the opportunity to interact with new friends. “I’ve got some buddies here,” he says. “We sit and talk and spend time together.”


“I’m looking forward to seeing what the Lord still has in mind for me. Hopefully good things!” he laughs.


12 • Landis.org | FLOURISH | Summer 2025


CULTIVATING MEANINGFUL LIVING


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