Mother and daughter

Resident fondly remembers living with her mom at NDH

Portia Trulove Simms, Blaze’s mom, lived at NDH for about 10 years. She recruited Blaze to live at NDH to be near her, where they happily resided at NDH for six years together.

Blaze remembers her moms charm and class, and how “proper” she was in any given instance. Their favorite activity together was baking holiday cookies.

Portia was an early bird! She loved waking up in the morning starting the day off right. Portia would often be caught cleaning or helping make coffee early in the morning. Her go-getter attitude is remembered by many residents at NDH.

Resident Mike Driscoll remembers Portia’s drive to maintain the community room and make a good pot of coffee. He also remembers Portia’s “love for a Whopper.”

Residents remember Portia for her beauty and style.

Even from a young age artists would approach her to ask to make her portrait. “One artist came up to her and asked for her portrait, and she said, ‘Yes! As long as I am fully dressed!’ That portrait then hung in the Joselyn Museum,” Blaze remembered.

For the rest of her life, she was recognized for her inner light that shone brightly.

Excursions

Residents can register for a monthly excursion. Utilizing the NDH van, they can enjoy cultural experiences on top of group shopping trips. This fiscal year, residents enjoyed fishing, a trip to DeSoto Bend, viewing the Sistine Chapel exhibit, the Shriner Circus, a trip to the Durham Museum, a fish fry, and more! These excursions help provide education and engagement, combat isolation, and are simply a source of fun!