Where’s the Party?

A family story by Renee B.

Growing up in an 8-bedroom home with three siblings, I never pictured my mother living anywhere else, much less a retirement community.

That is, until I was shopping in Audubon one day, and discovered what would become Shannondell at Valley Forge. What an incredible new concept, I thought.

At the time, I was just curious. My mother was still living independently in our family home, but she had taken on caregiver duties for both my aunt and grandmother who joined her in the house. So, you could see the writing on the wall.

Having met with a Shannondell representative, I immediately shared the materials with my siblings and mother. Of course, everybody wasn’t completely sold on the idea, particularly Mom, until she saw the community and met the staff.

Not surprisingly, Mom fell in love with Shannondell. But she wouldn’t leave her other family members she was caring for.

However, knowing where she would move, when the time came, was very comforting to all of us. Unfortunately, the time came sooner than we had all planned, which is something, I’ve learned, that adult children seem to share when helping their parents in similar circumstances. Takeaway: start looking before you or your parents are ready. You’ll thank yourself later.

The most interesting thing about my mother’s move to Shannondell was watching her transformation. We watched her come alive again, socializing with new and old friends. Giggling. Playing bridge. Going to the movies. Attending musicals and shows in the Performing Arts Theater at Shannondell. Within 6 months of her moving in, I had to buy her an answering machine because we could never catch her in her residence.

Now, when I join her for dinner, I walk in the dining room and hear a piano playing, glasses clanking, people laughing and wonder to myself, “Where’s the party?”

Well I can tell you, it’s at Shannondell every day. And, personally, I can’t wait until my next invitation. Mom, are you listening?

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