A Resident’s Perspective
Up before five…it’s a rainy morning. Rain is pounding against my windows; trees are swaying in the darkness. No chance for my usual morning walk through the Bellevue neighborhood.
Out the door by 5:45 after breakfast and coffee. It’ll be an indoor walk, still a good workout. First, a few laps around the track in the new Vital Living Center, and I have it all to myself. Then, over to the Courtyard Apartments, down each hallway from end to end, up staircases, stepping smartly along the bright carpeting on each floor.
I’ve been here before on rainy mornings. But this time it’s different. Doorways are decked out with holiday decorations. Too many brightly dressed nutcracker characters to count, white and red poinsettias dot each hallway, wonderfully appointed red-and-green wreaths, pigs and dogs with Santa caps. My morning walk is festive and there’s a smile on my face.
I make my way to the Avalon and Child Development floor and make numerous loops at a brisk pace. There is holiday décor all along the way, from the Celtic hallway to the employee dining areas.
Staff begin entering the hallway from the parking deck, and although it’s rainy and dreary, there are broad smiles as they greet me. As two women pass, they thank me. Oh yes, yesterday was the holiday gift program for our employees, an annual joyous celebration.
Lastly, I head back to the fitness center to end my morning walk. I’m not alone this time. Mac and Carol are busy on two glistening new machines. Andy is leisurely lifting weights near the window. I arrive back home after an hour-and-a-half, having walked nearly four miles. I’ll head to exercise class at 8:30…it’s going to be a good day!
resident Jerry Uhlman