Early this year, I often sat back in my easy chair at home pondering the year and a half since I lost my dear wife, Jean. I had been doing OK, or so I told myself. But the loneliness had crept into my life with greater frequency and intensity. Even after some quality time with a dear friend or two, returning back home to an empty house threatened to overwhelm me.
I wondered, is it time to ‘move on’? My daughter thought that I needed a more socially
active environment. A conversation with a dear friend led me to the same conclusion.
Soon I was convinced. Yes, it was time.
Having made that decision, I found myself assailed with a rash of questions. Just how do I proceed? How could I leave my home of 22 years, 20 of them with Jean? Where do I go? How do I prepare? How do I identify all that needs to be done, then how do I do it all?

Clearly I needed help. A lot of help.
A transition can be a major undertaking. I began tackling mine by reflecting on my recent past. I had some experience with an organization called Gently Guided, so I called them for help. And through them, I discovered an independent living facility called The Oaks. Beautiful grounds, friendly people, and good food! It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had answered the question of where I should go.
But the journey was just beginning. Tougher questions remained unanswered. I reached out once again, and this time I found two helpful organizations. About Senior Solutions provided me with a case worker to help with nearly anything I needed. The KIND Organizer took care of every aspect of my move, and more. The next few weeks were rough, but with such expert help, we made it to my move date with time to spare. I have now been a resident of The Oaks for nearly two weeks. And, yes, the grounds are gorgeous, the people are friendly, and the food is great! In addition, my apartment is a work of art! I can’t help but think of my new place as a slice of paradise.
I am so grateful to all of the folks that helped me with my transition to a new life. I don’t know how I could have managed without KIND, About Senior Solutions, and Gently Guided. And thanks are due to my fiduciary, who introduced me to About Senior Solutions, and who monitored everything that was going on.

It has been a difficult transition, but you all have made it easier. Because of you, my life is good again.

Written by Ed R.