By Rick Banas of Gardant Management Solutions
Chapter 2
November is National Gratitude Month. It is a time to reflect on what we are grateful for; a time to celebrate and give thanks for our many blessings.
Throughout the month, we are posting Blogs that feature the thoughts on gratitude from residents of the senior living, assisted living, supportive living, and memory care communities Gardant operates.
In today’s Blog, we highlight residents of the Heritage Woods community in Sterling, Illinois.
Sterling is located in northwestern Illinois, about 100 miles west of Chicago and 55 miles northeast of the Quad Cities.
The Heritage Woods of Sterling community is certified to operate through the Illinois Supportive Living program so is able to serve adults 65 years of age and older of all incomes.
Gardant has managed the community since it opened for occupancy in March 2009.
Here are Attitudes of Gratitude from residents of Heritage Woods of Sterling:
Deb H., age 71
Grateful that my Mom is doing better. Happy to be at Heritage Woods of Sterling. I love this place, and the people here are lovable. I am grateful for my pinochle playing friends.
Irene J., age 90
Grateful for beating cancer three times. I love me three sons. I am battling my fourth bout with cancer and awaiting a new great, great grandson. I am happy for the help and for the nice place to live. I am thankful to God every day.
Cyndi M. age 74
I am thankful for my daughters and my grandchildren. Thankful for Heritage Woods of Sterling and the support I have received because I needed it. Thankful to God for the new life I have.
Carol C., age 75
I am thankful for being here; thankful for this good place; the wonderful people. I know if I need help, I push my button and I will receive help. My family is close by so they can visit often . . . plus the food is good.
Sandy S., age 79
I am grateful for my two Vietnamese sons, who have made it possible for me to be at Heritage Woods of Sterling.
Dolores G., age 90 (who responded amidst tears)
I am just grateful, for everything.
Dort C., age 84
Grateful I could make my own decision about living here. It helps my family to be happy, knowing that I am happy here, so that makes me happy.
Jean S., age 89
I am grateful for my very true friend, Marilyn, who is there for me no matter what.
Pat B., age 80
I am grateful for Rae (the community’s Resident Services Director), her laughter, fun, fairness, and friendship. I am grateful that the Lord guides me each and every day. Heritage Woods is a blessing.
Ian K., age 86
I am grateful to be living here and being with nice, talented, thoughtful people. I am part way to Heaven. My people are gone; I miss the home I had; but I am grateful for everything.
Donna C., age 85
I am grateful for the friend I have had since the 4th grade. She was in a terrible accident last year, but still alive. I think a lot of her and often.
Dan E., age 71
I am amazingly satisfied being a part of Heritage Woods of Sterling. I was having constant financial problems. Renters not paying. Me being unable to pay what I needed to. I was a mess.
After moving in here it was instant peace (and no one was doing drugs in my house)! God has always given me, guided me, and pulled me out of the messes even when I didn’t always listen to Him. I am grateful.
Donna S., age 83
I am grateful for my five great kids – all graduated from high school without catastrophe. I love them all so much. I am grateful to be a 40-year cancer survivor. I am grateful for each day living at Heritage Woods – the privacy to lock myself away, for Rae (the community’s Resident Services Coordinator), and very thankful for the fudge.
Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report recognized Heritage Woods of Sterling as being among the best assisted living communities in the United States.
Click here for more information about Heritage Woods of Sterling.
