Greetings from South Carolina!
We are sending an update from our recent move to The Manor in Florence, SC. The (Methodist) Manor is a life care community, with levels of care from independent living in single homes and apartments, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care.
We decided to make this move now before one of us has a medical crisis! (Yes, “when,” not “if!”)
As of today, we’ve unpacked most boxes with the exception of our books. Our plan at The Manor includes one meal daily, and so far we’ve enjoyed meals in the dining room or ordered take out. Neither of us has used the electric range and oven since we moved in on June 19.
The residents are very welcoming. Most are from South Carolina. Many like us have chosen The Manor to be close to one or more children or grandchildren. But none is closer than we are to our son Tom and daughter-in-law Jill, who live in the adjacent community, connected to The Manor by a short footpath. We have enjoyed meeting residents at mealtime and have shared in some fun and spirited conversations, but no politics!
The architecture and social programming might seem like The Stepford Manor for fans of that movie. With daily meal service, weekly housekeeping, and a full schedule of activities (exercise, bingo, painting classes, Bible study, a small library, an onsite chapel), and a range of convenient services (dry cleaning pickup, hair salon, shuttles to local stores, a guy who will wash your car), there is an easy path to becoming very insular and isolated from the outside community in Florence. Keeping our new environment in mind, today at breakfast Connie and I agreed we need to start a regular routine similar to what we had in Lewes. But first she has to complete volunteer paperwork for the Goodwill Store. My orientation for the local dog shelter is not until July 12!
One of the more interesting requirements of residency is a daily check-in before 10:00 am using a push button in our home. Yes – the staff takes daily attendance! One of our new friends told the story about the time he was on a church mission trip in Senegal when his cell phone rang. Betty at the desk was checking on him since he did not use the check-in button that morning! He said he had given his itinerary to the desk and his absences with quickly accounted for.
Although we drove on Sienna van to South Carolina on June 17-18, our grandson Vincent drove our Corolla to us on June 21. The next day (Sunday), we all attended church together at John Calvin Presbyterian Church before Vincent flew home to BWI airport. We chose John Calvin Presbyterian Church (JCPC) after previewing several church services on YouTube. The congregation offers a traditional adult choir and handbell choir, and the membership is actively engaged in supporting housing and hunger ministries in Florence. The full time pastor we previewed on YouTube is on sabbatical until August 1. So far the guest pastors have met Connie’s expectations for preaching.
We are grateful and blessed to be able to enjoy our new home in a loving and supportive community.
Peace & Joy!
Wesley & Connie
New address:
1944 Aldersgate Court
Florence SC 29501
New home phone 843-407-4648
Same mobile numbers
Your new life sounds practically perfect! I hope it continues that way. My summer is filled with weekly Oncology appts. The good news is that the new treatment regimen is effective so far. Dave and I traveled to Northern Kentucky to attend our grandson's HS graduation in June and then he flew home with us for a 10 day visit. Later in the month I was able to spend a week with long time friends at the beach in OC. Continue settling in and enjoying new adventures!
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