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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2006
Romance
Blossoms for Couples in Illinois Nursing Homes
(Chicago) -- With Valentine’s Day
approaching, romance is in the air for both the young
and the “young at heart.” Love finds a way, no
matter our circumstances. In Illinois nursing homes, the
glow of romance still finds a way to shine brightly.
Several of these romance stories are moving and
poignant, demonstrating how love can endure and overcome
time, separation and personal difficulties. Here are
some of the more recent, enriching stories of romance
blooming in Illinois nursing homes:
James and Mamie, The
Renaissance at 87th in Chicago –
James (100-years-old) and Mamie (92-years-old) came to the
facility as evacuees of Hurricane Katrina. Married more
than 60 years, this couple has a great sense of humor,
keeping everyone in the facility laughing. Even after
six decades of marriage, they still enjoy a very loving
and tender relationship. They consider themselves
blessed to be alive and together after their New Orleans
ordeal.
Dennis and Roberta,
Mid-America Convalescent Center in Chicago
– Dennis and Roberta were together in one nursing
home five years ago and then parted ways due to health
issues. Fate brought them back together last November,
where they ran into each other at Mid-America’s
Thanksgiving Social. This loving couple displays their
feelings by holding hands, kissing each other,
exchanging endearing words or just looking lovingly into
each other’s eyes. They are planning to get married
soon. Says Dennis, “Roberta is the best Christmas gift
I have ever received.”
Spencer and Tina, Columbus
Park Nursing and Rehab Center in Chicago – Spencer
and Tina have overcome many obstacles during their
married life. The couple met and married in Colorado
Springs. After coming to Chicago to bury his mother,
Spencer’s health began to fail and a series of
hospitalizations followed. Tina struggled to save enough
money to go to Chicago and be with Spencer. Shortly
after arriving in Chicago, Tina’s own health began to
fail and she was admitted to a series of long term care
facilities. The couple lost touch with each other until
August 16, 2004 when Spencer was discharged to the same
nursing home where Tina resided. The records of their
marriage had been lost, so the couple obtained an
Illinois license and remarried. When asked if they felt
like an old married couple or newlyweds, Spencer
replied, “The newlywed stage is behind us and we are
looking forward to our future together."
Olin and Margaret,
Meadowbrook Manor in Naperville – Olin
and Margaret have been married for 59 years and are very
much in love. They are affectionately known as “Salt
and Pepper” to their family because, simply, they’re
a matching set. Last June, they renewed their wedding
vows at a facility ceremony. Religious faith has helped
them through the rougher times. “You just have to keep
on loving each other,” says Margaret. Physical
attraction helps too. Says Olin, “I always wanted an
Irish girl with red hair, and I got one.”
Mike and Bonnie, Kankakee
Terrace in Kankakee – Mike and Bonnie
met at the facility almost two years. There was an
immediate attraction, and they’ve been together ever
since. The couple is very independent and enjoys
participating in community activities together. “We
don’t know what the future has in store for us,”
says Mike, “but we will face it together.”
Sol and Sylvia, Community
Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Naperville
– Sol and Sylvia enjoy dancing and first
met in 1938 at a society ball. They dated for awhile and
drifted apart. Married later in 1949, the couple
professes to love each other more now than the day they
exchanged rings. They have this advice for other
couples: “Never go to bed angry with each other. Every
night before going to sleep, turn to each other and say
`I love you’.”
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The
Illinois Council on Long Term Care is a professional
association of nearly 200 nursing facilities committed
to quality residential health care in Illinois through a
productive and responsible partnership between the
private and public sectors. The Council represents more
than 26,000 nursing home professionals serving more than
37,000 residents. Helpful information for seniors and
families can be found at the Council’s Web site
www.nursinghome.org.
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