Grammie and Grandpa

[abka]

My grandparents have decided to move into an assisted-living facility. They've both been sick on and off for several years, and this past year my grandmother's health has rapidly declined and she's had several hospital and rehabilitation center stays. I'm sure this new place will be a lot less stress on both of them, but it's very sad that they are forced to move out of the home they've lived in for over 50 years. They're even going to a new city that is closer to my uncle. They've lived in Defiance for decades and know a lot about the town; my grandfather was a mailman and my grandmother a schoolteacher. They're moving in 3 weeks, it seems like a really short time. I'm glad they were able to make this choice for themselves, but it's sad to know that the next time we go and visit them it won't be at "Grammie and Grandpa's house."

Comments

[mrsjadephoenix.livejournal.com]

Wow, that must be a very sad transition for you. I hope the place works out for them.

On a completely random note, that's neat that they lived in a town called Defiance. At first when I read "They've lived in Defiance for decades" I thought you meant that they've had a defiant attitude about assisted living for decades, and then I re-read it and realized that it was a place name. =)

(I wonder if there are towns named Denial. If so, does it suck for the inhabitants to have to explain to outsiders "I live in Denial?")

Sorry, I am totally not meaning to make light of the situation. I really do hope that things work out.

[abka.livejournal.com]

That's ok, I know that you're not making light of it. I believe the name Defiance dates back to the frontier days. In the town park there are the ruins of an old fort that was situated on an embankment overlooking where two rivers join (I can't remember the name of the rivers). I think there were several forts in that area, so Defiance makes a lot of sense.

Back to present day, they're having the moving van come the Monday before Christmas because Grandpa wants to be able to relax on Christmas day. I hope the move goes smoothly.

[toran.livejournal.com]

One of my grandmothers lives at an assisted living place and she really digs it. It's like living in a college dorm for old people. So it's sad, but they'll probably end up liking it, especially since they go to pick the place they're moving to.

Defiance is one of the coolest town names ever. I also like Purgatory.

[grumph.livejournal.com]

I agree with Toran. My grandmother moved into a home near my family in Boston after her husband, my grandfather passed away. She enjoys living there, although she complains about the food. But she couldn't really cook for herself anymore anyways, and this way she's near enough to my parents that she can have home cooked meals with them on a regular basis without giving up her independence and moving in with them. Also, she is with other old people like herself that she can talk to and hang out with. And the facility, Heritage House, plans all sorts of activities for the old folks that my grandmother enjoys and could never have done if she were on her own.

So, yeah, ideally, my grandma would be young and spry and on her own again. But considering that she is 95 years old and has all her faculties, Heritage House is good for her. Hopefully your grandparents will enjoy their new home as well.