There is a story to be told in my retirement community. It is a story of love. It isn't puppy love, young love or the many-splendored love of years past. It is lasting love: love over time. Not sexual, but simply love of each other as partners.

Care is love. Care of what was, what is and what will come. We walk slower now, can't see as before, and hold hands for warmth and support.

Aging is not uniform or equal. Time takes from each at its will and whim. We pray first for the other partner to stay well then our self.

Our bodies slow differently: Alzheimer's disease steals bit by bit the light of knowledge. Nerve systems weaken and short-circuit. Arteries clog. One partner becomes the light, another helps recognition.

The story is the caregiver. Care given daily, constantly, wearily shows lasting love. "Until death do us part" is recalled while time flows onward. Love becomes duty; honorable, enduring and necessary.

How does one tell the story of lasting love? I tell it by admiring the spouse pushing a wheelchair providing mobility and togetherness, by applauding those who read to the other with dimming sight, and by praising those who explain, interpret and encourage loved ones unable to remember their world.

Any lapses in the past are forgotten with today's love; a lasting love.

Labels: active retirement community, Chicago independent living, Jack and Rita, senior living facility, senior retirement communities, the garlands

Not rain, snow, excessively cold temperatures or even a tightened economy has impacted the progression of the Garlands new Phase II residences. In fact, as of this spring, the shell of the building that will hold these 85 new homes is 80% complete, with the framing of the roof trusses and asphalt shingling soon to follow. Next up: the brick masonry, a signature architectural feature of The Garlands upscale retirement community, will commence throughout the summer.

Meanwhile, the interior designers are working their magic as they weave a careful blend of texture, color and fine finishes to create the casually elegant ambiance our residents and guests love.

Building upon the success of The Garlands initial phase of development, Phase II sets yet a new standard for retirement communities nationwide.
There is no doubt that today's retiree wants . . .

-Bigger residences
-Open floor plans
-Plenty of storage
-And the highest quality

The Garlands offers all this and more. Start planning for your future today. A refundable deposit lets you secure The Garlands Phase II home of your choice while you plan for your move in late 2010.

Call 847-304-1996 to schedule an appointment to review floor plans and pricing options.

Labels: active senior living, Chicago estate planning, Phase II, senior living, senior retirement communities, the garlands

Easter is a special time for many families the world over, and it's no different for our family here at the Garlands, where celebrations are a big part of active senior living community.

Easter brunch with all the trimmings, including visits with the bunny and an egg hunt in the courtyard, is a time-honored Garlands tradition.


Carl Peterson and Cookie Cooke pose with the Easter bunny before enjoying the Easter brunch.


Marlene Rolecek and grandchildren get ready to hunt for eggs with the Easter bunny.

Labels: active retirement community, chicago senior living, easter, garlands blogger, senior retirement communities, the garlands, upscale senior living

November 11th, Veterans Day, Jill Lund, our activities director, gathered veterans and members together for cake and coffee at the café where we talked about the Greatest Generation and then Jill read a moving tribute to our veterans. Many members joined the celebration reliving personal war stories. The lively and fun time pleased everybody.

Others present at the gathering, belonged to The Greatest Generation through deceased spouses. A widow told of the honor her husband, seaman first class, received when his wish to be buried at sea was fulfilled. He sailed during World War II in the United States Navy and earned medals testifying to duty: Asia-Pacific Campaign, World War II, American Campaign and Occupation Services.

His Urn carefully placed aboard the USS McInerney, a Frigate, for commitment to the sea, sailed from Florida to Maine. Far from land, the Commander slowed the vessel in calm wind and seas, and displayed the colors at half mast. All officers and crew participating wore white dress uniforms to share in the Navy tradition of burying their heroes at sea.

Two officers and a chaplain led the solemn ceremony with dignity and respect. The urn was carried aft, and then the Commanding officer of the vessel ordered the remains committed to the sea and wind. Seven crew members formed the firing squad and shot three rounds saluting the deceased, and then taps sounded mournfully--that day was done.

Later, a package arrived containing his folded American flag, seven spent saluting cartridges, a navigation chart indicating the latitude and longitude of burial, and most cherished--a videotape of the ceremony.

Longitude 40° 01.8' N and latitude 69° 42.7' W will forever mark the location in the great North Atlantic Ocean where our member's husband, an American sailor, was committed to the sea.

Jack Roche

Labels: chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, senior living, the garlands, Veterns