Even now I am teaching myself to play the organ.
It may sound strange to others that here, in a retirement community, in my eighth decade, I am learning and growing. But it is music to my ears.
I grew up in a family full of joy, compassion, and a love for music. I inherited my musical skills from my mother, who taught my siblings and me how to play instruments and sing. My mother had a lot of patience, and she passed that on to me. I learned early on that patience is the key for a musical journey. Because of my training I am able to adapt to almost any musical setting and play the piano by ear.
As with music, I adapted right away to this setting — my community of Lake Prince Woods, situated on 172 wood acres in Suffolk, Va. I was a charter member 15 years ago when the community welcomed its first residents. I was so elated when I got the news of this much anticipated move. “I'm going to Lake Prince Woods!” I shouted when my son notified me of my acceptance into the community.
I shopped around at many communities in the area, but no other community came close to what Lake Prince Woods offered me. As a continuing care retirement community, Lake Prince Woods provides a benevolence fund that will take care of me for the rest of my life should I need this support. Knowing that is a blessing.
I am no longer responsible for maintaining my home, which is a relief. And my family no longer has to worry about my care. That's a relief as well.
It is a complete joy to be at Lake Prince Woods because the community offers me the opportunity to be myself and share my gifts. I feel like God brought me here to touch the lives of many through music.
I am a member of several music groups. The programs are convenient. I can participate in many activities without ever leaving the community. And the programs are diverse. From recitals to concerts, from bands to cabarets, there is something for everyone.
Who knew there could be such melody. Even now.
"Choosing Senior Living" is a special series of Senior Correspondent and myLifeSite (www.mylifesite.net). Share your firsthand account of the senior living decision-making process. Send articles of 400 to 600 words to submissions@seniorcorrespondent.com.
