When Susan moved to Bickford, her and Kelly formed a close bond early on and their friendship has only grown since then. Whenever there has been a holiday or event, Kelly always includes Susan in the set-up and clean up of the event. Having proudly spent most of her adult life as a farmer’s wife, Susan loved helping wherever she could. Because Kelly consistently includes her, Susan feels not only loved and needed, but also a true member of the Bickford family. Kelly also makes sure to send her family pictures of Susan assisting with and participating in all of these events. This means so much to them. It warms their hearts to be able to feel so included even though some of them are so far away.

Ruth used to play the piano and missed playing it. When the Chaplain, Renita found out about Ruth's musical talent, she invited Ruth to play at the Sunday worship service. Ruth's eyesight is poor so Renita ordered a special cushion for the bench so Ruth could see the music better. It gives Ruth something to look forward to and it makes her very happy!

Bill's vacation was cut short when he started not feeling well and having some health issues. Ann felt bad for him and I wanted to do something special to help him feel happy when he got home. She decided to decorate his apartment for Christmas and made him some home-made Christmas cookies that were waiting for him when he returned. The smile on his face was priceless when he opened his door to the cheerful decorations and tasty cookies. 

When Regina first met with us at Bickford, she shared that the best part of her home was her bedroom because it was decorated with a lake theme which she found relaxing. Before Regina moved in, her family decorated and furnished her private apartment including hanging all of her lake themed photos on the walls to replicate her bedroom at home. We surprised them by painting an accent wall in her bedroom a lake blue to match her lake decor. When Regina moved into her apartment she was so thrilled and said, “Wow this really feels like home.”