Shari Zimmerman shared a touching story about a couple who recently moved into the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living community that Gardant manages in McHenry, Illinois. The community is certified as a Supportive Living community and serves older adults of all incomes who need some help to maintain their independence.
Shari is the Marketing Director for Heritage Woods of McHenry and the neighboring White Oaks at McHenry memory care community. The story highlights Bud and Caryl, who moved into the community during the coronavirus pandemic.
We Are in This Together
There came a time in their lives when Bud wanted things to be easier for Caryl, his high school sweetheart. The couple spoke to their children and after one of their daughters researched several assisted living options in the area, Bud and Caryl made the decision to move from their home in Prospect Heights, Illinois to Heritage Woods of McHenry.
Moving during the pandemic was not the easiest thing to do. Bud and Caryl, for instance, were not able to actually see the apartment they selected until the day the moved into the community. When they opened the door, they knew the apartment was the perfect choice. The community’s American Flag is visible right outside their apartment windows. Bud is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, so this was extra meaningful to him.
Bud and Caryl met at Barrington High School and went to two proms together. They became engaged in 1957 and married in October 1958. When Bud joined the Navy, Caryl was able to follow him to the various places he was stationed. They eventually landed at the naval air base located at Quanset Point, Rhode Island.
Upon being discharged, the couple returned to Illinois, where Bud ran the family business, a manufacturing company in Chicago that made specialty nuts and bolts. Caryl worked there for a time as well. Together, Bud and Caryl have four children, 12 grandchildren, and two great granddaughters.
The couple says that living at Heritage Woods has been wonderful. Caryl no longer has the chores of shopping, cooking, and cleaning so they are able to just “relax and enjoy their togetherness.” Being able to be together in a community rather than alone in the house they were living in was the most important thing.
Bud thought he would miss Caryl’s cooking the most, but says the food is pretty great here.
The couple is very proud of their 62 years of marriage, and Bud is happy that his bride can enjoy retirement, too.
When asked what the secret is to their long marriage, their answer is “lots of hugs and hand holding.”
Good advice.
We’re happy they are both here!