Never say never, but sometimes it’s the right decision

In a million years I never would have believed I would spend my 80s in a retirement home. I had planned to stay in my home, grow old there and eventually die in my own bed. My children’s insistence that I was lonely, couldn’t bathe safely, couldn’t get safely down the basement stairs and couldn’t care for my large yard, all pointed to a different living situation –; they said I needed a retirement home.

Of course, I was adamantly opposed to any move –; and definitely not a retirement place. Throughout last fall, we battled back and forth. Yes, I had some health issues and they worried I could mistakenly overdose on my medication. But I countered “So what?” as I was very sad over the death of my husband, Bob, in July of 2014.

I was unaware, but my children were already searching for a “place for mom.” They settled on a lovely place called San Marino Retirement Community after I reluctantly made an inquiry of the place. A couple months later, there was an opening. Now I was committed to accept or lose the support of my family. And to cement the deal were the lovely flower gardens right outside my anticipated back door. So, I said OK.

A good decision

So, here I am, 10 weeks in my new home. And do you know I have come to say it was a good decision? Everyone here is helpful and friendly; the three meals a day are delicious; and the staff attentive to every need. They do everything to make me feel welcome.

The irony is that I was the mayor of Westminster when San Marino was built and “Mr. Dave,” the owner, and I have had several conversations about it.

In closing

Now, I am pretty well settled in and have some of my treasured furnishings here in my pretty new home. My phone number is still the same. I have a pretty full “dance card” and that means I’m participating in many of the activities/programs offered.

As I said, I didn’t want to make a change but it was the right decision. And “never say never” is true.

Stay well, stay involved and stay tuned…

P.S. Don’t forget to view the high country aspens.