Grandkids Share in Rite of Passage
Marcella and Herman Wright enjoy the patio of their new home surrounded by family members left to right: ): Katie Meredith, Ryan Meredith, Elaine Meredith, Ellen Joslin, Morgan Joslin and Megan Joslin
The day I arrived to follow up on how Herman and Marcella Wright were doing in their new brownstone apartment at Wesley Homes Retirement Community, I met six of their family members who have been very involved in helping the Wrights get resettled.
The Wrights moved into Wesley Homes Lea Hill on July 16th. This is the 2nd part of a two part “before” and “after” the move series.
The first interview “Moving Day into the Wesley Homes Lea Hill Brownstone Apartments” covers their thoughts on selling their home during a recession, why they made the move now, and the move-out experience.
Today there wasn’t an unpacked box in sight and everything appears to be in place and arranged comfortably.
The conversation this morning revolved around the family “taking Grandma shopping” and the discoveries made about the lay of the land.
“This is like a ‘fun park’ is how one daughter described the grounds. “We like the theater,” said a granddaughter. “The pool is awesome, “shouted out another. “I want to be old”, said Ryan, age 11, joining in to express his enthusiasm for his grandparents’ new home.
“I told the kids it’s going to be fun; It’s going to be like a little community,” said one of the adult children, “And now Ryan wants to stay overnight.” “That’s because he likes the ‘tree house’ bedroom,” said Marcella, pointing to the sun room.
The place really is lovely; two bedrooms, big closets, and the kitchen and living room look out over an expanse of manicured lawn. “And we don’t have to mow it,” exclaimed Marcella.
I was impressed that the Wrights and their family members, even the grandchildren, were aware they were celebrating a rite of passage in the lives of the Wrights.
“Well, the thing is children learn first-hand when they participate,” said Herman, referring to events that mark milestones in the lives of family members.
“It’s different than being told and then them trying to absorb it”, he explained, “When you’re involved it will stick with you for life.”
And so the Wrights are continuing to influence future generations by exposing the children to the art of making deliberate choices that affect quality of life and shape family memories.
– ilene little for Wesley Homes
