Have you ever heard the expression “A true friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words?” I’m not sure who said it, but this perfectly describes my relationship with my best friend, Francie. We met during infancy at our babysitter’s house and have been attached at the hip ever since! We have been through all of the major transitions in life together, to this point. All of the ups and downs for each of us, the other has been there to guide, support, protect, but most importantly, enjoy! I have no memory of life without her and I wouldn’t want it any other way! But, as summer approaches I find that we are now facing a new challenge together; Francie will be moving to Philadelphia to start her residency program. I know that she will be an amazing doctor. I am thrilled that she is making her dream a reality, but I can’t help but be a little selfish and know that I will miss her terribly. Other friends have come and gone, but she has been my constant.
This impending change got me thinking more and more about the importance of friends. We make friends throughout life, each new relationship developing out of a change or transition (starting a new job, moving, joining a group). One thing I think we all know is how nice it is to have a friendly face close at hand when embarking on a new chapter in life. At Regency Grand we have a Resident Ambassador Program that is designed to provide just that; a few friendly faces waiting greet our new residents and help them get adjusted to their new home.
When somebody moves into our community, they are not only dealing with the stress of packing and coordinating a move, but also a plethora of other physical and emotional issues. Often times new residents are facing a major downsize and leaving the family home. They may also be grieving the loss of a spouse and coping with failing health. While children and grandchildren are here to help with moving arrangements and handle finances, nobody can identify with the emotions that accompany this transition as well as people who have been through it!
Our Ambassadors receive a brief bio on new residents prior to move-in. This way they are well prepared to meet, greet and support our newbies until they are feeling comfortable. It can be daunting walking into our main dining room or an activity and not knowing the “ropes”. The Ambassadors invite our new residents to join them at meals, participate in activities and most importantly, help them make friends with other residents. We are so grateful to have such an amazing group. The work they do is priceless and it is so wonderful to see new friendships grow throughout our community. There is also no greater reward than to see a resident who has had an especially difficult time blossom and be able to use their experience to help someone else.
Francie and I will always be best friends (she knows WAY too much!). But I am happy, that as she embarks on this new adventure she will be surrounded by people who have been in her shoes and know the road ahead. New or old, the beautiful thing about friendship is that you always have half the sorrow and twice the joy!
