Prior to moving in, Paul’s wife had shared about his long-time involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. Paul often speaks proudly of the many Eagle Scouts he had and his multiple trips to Philmont. Kathy had a son who was also involved in scouting so she brought in her son’s uniform so she and Paul could discuss all of the badges he had earned. Paul’s family was very moved by Kathy taking time to do this and were so happy that he was able to share his experiences with us.

Tom was a farmer for many years south of town and very proud of his John Deere equipment. Kathy came across some John Deere patterned fabric and made Tom a pillowcase for his bed. When Tom’s son found out about her kindness he simply shared, “It is so nice to see my dad smiling. It is something I have not seen for a long time.”

Tom began working as a shoeshine boy at the young age of 12. Tina’s father had also been a shoeshiner and she still had his kits at home. Tom was so tickled to see that she had saved these and enjoyed sharing his own stories of his shoeshine days.

During one of our social hours it was discovered that several of our residents had graduated together in the class of 1969. This group, along with an “adopted” member, also found several former Bobcats who graduated in 1952. With the recent renovations made to the famed high school we knew a surprise trip was in order! Bobcat t-shirts with graduating class years were made for each resident and a tour was set up with the athletic department. The residents were only told there would be a surprise but no additional details. The day of the tour came and we presented each resident with their new Bobcat shirt. The smiles on their faces were priceless as they sang the Bobcat fight song during our Howie ride to the school!

Evelyn mentioned that she and her late husband used to take motorcycle trips across the United States. BFM Nikki, shared that she and her husband, Kevin, often ride their bike on the weekend. Nikki spoke with BFMs Lora and Rick who also love to ride their bikes and they all decided to take Evelyn for a ride and to brunch! Evelyn was so exited for this trip that she barely slept the night before. Her family was so thankful that their mom experienced something she enjoyed so much. Evelyn’s smile was priceless!

New resident, John had shared how much he loved karaoke and used to often sing for his late wife, Betty. When John saw that the Saturday night activity was going to be karaoke he was so excited! Unfortunately, the Branch karaoke machine had not been delivered yet and BFM Nikki knew how disappointed John would be if that activity didn’t happen. After a quick call to some good friends, a machine was delivered to the Branch and the living room was filled with residents! John was so delighted that he was able to sing and many other residents (and BFMs) sang along, too!

Recently, John was having a hard time with the fact that he had to sell his home. He had built his home by hand with red cedar logs brought in on trucks from Idaho. Rick and Breana decided to take a trip with John to go and see the house he was so proud of. John talked and talked the whole way there, grinning from ear to ear with excitement, ready to show off his hard work. And what a sight it was! It’s not every day you get the chance to stand next to a home with the man who built it.

Phyllis moved to Bickford from a well-known family farm just outside of town and she was having a hard time adjusting to life away from the farm. With County Fair Day coming up Bianca knew just what to do. After a phone call to Phyllis’ son, a plan was under way. The morning of County Fair Day Phyllis walked out the front doors and, to her surprise, saw her family’s tractor! Phyllis beamed with pride.