Learning to Dance in the Rain

SINCE MARCH, THE CAMPUSES of Masonic Villages have looked a little different. Restaurants and gathering spots are empty, walking paths and hallways are absent of visitors and volunteers, and staff and residents don face masks.

What is not different is how Masonic Villages feels. The Mission of Love continues to inspire staff and residents every day to embrace challenges and find joy.

Food services staff have been busy delivering thousands of meals to residents’ homes. Therapeutic recreation and activities staff have assisted with hundreds of video chats and weekly bingo (virtually or in hallways). Music therapists have led hundreds of one-on-one sessions. Wellness staff have coordinated televised fitness and stretching classes, and spiritual services have been broadcast to residents’ homes weekly.

Many staff have been assisting in areas beyond their normal roles to ensure services and operations continue seamlessly. They’ve been protecting themselves at work and at home, so they can provide high quality, loving care and re-assurance for residents who haven’t seen their loved ones in months.

Residents have been walking outdoors when possible, catching up on books and movies, gardening, sewing thousands of face masks, cleaning and de-cluttering and discovering new hobbies. Youth at the Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown have enjoyed picnics and field days and picked up new skills, like baking.

Families and the community have responded by sending cards, letters, coloring books and pencils, crosswords puzzles and more through our Sending Smiles program. Local restaurants have provided free lunches for staff. Masonic lodges and individuals have donated personal protective equipment.

Donors have continued their ongoing financial support, realizing the challenges we’re facing and providing the resources we need to prioritize safety and find creative ways to thrive. Not having to worry about how they will care for those whose lives depend on them, staff can focus on meeting residents’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

KEEPING CONNECTED

On her 69th wedding anniversary in May, Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill resident Rosalyn Gordon found her husband, Marvin, waiting for her with roses, anniversary balloons and cupcakes, because even under quarantine during a pandemic, love can’t wait.

Although they were seated six feet apart from each other and both wearing face masks, they made the most of their time together. The couple, who are used to doing everything together, hadn’t been able to see each other in more than two months. Marvin resides in the personal care area and Rosalyn is in health care.

“It was my idea to meet up with Ros, but the Masonic Village staff set it all up,” Marvin said. “We’ve been married 69 years, and the only time we have been physically separated was when I was overseas for 15 months during the Korean War. We talked about how much we missed each other and wanted to be with each other.”

the best of the situation. The couple talk on the phone nearly six times a day.

“When you’re young, it’s not a big deal, but when you’re older, this is hard,” he said. “We have a great love for one another. A lot of people are in worse positions than I am. I’m grateful for the way things worked out and that we are here.”

Prior to COVID-19 restrictions, Ken and Audrey Menke, high school sweethearts who will celebrate their 73rd anniversary in September, would see each other daily. Ken would walk from his apartment in the personal care area one floor up to Audrey’s room in the Sturgeon Health Care Center. She was often sitting in the hallway waiting for him.

“They are managing,” daughter Karen Paciorek said, “and I tell people that since they both grew up during the Great Depression, they are used to hardships and sacrifice. Ken's attitude is, ‘We just have to deal with it.’ Other than when he was in the service during World War II, this is the longest time they have been separated in 78 years.”

For Audrey’s 94th birthday, on June 20, the couple met for a special lunch arranged by staff, who bought a cake and a bouquet of flowers for Ken to give to Audrey.

“He was like a child going to Disney World - so excited,” Karen said. “He had laid out his sport coat, white shirt and tie the night before. I would say he benefited more from the visit since her memory has declined, but she, too, was most likely smitten with seeing her husband after such a long time. “Everyone is looking forward to the day when we can visit, from a distance of course, but keeping our parents safe and healthy is the number one priority for my sister and me. We want to thank the staff at the Masonic Village at Sewickley for everything they do each and every day for all of the residents. We are so grateful Ken and Audrey are there.”

FROM AFAR

Even from her home in Idaho, Jill Jordan, daughter of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown residents Sue and Terry Digruttolo, feels confident in her parents’ situation.

“Just knowing everything possible that could be done was being done in the name of their health and safety allowed me to talk to them comfortably instead of worrying about their health, were they being fed, were they okay, etc.” Jill said. “For me, personally, it took a huge load off the stress that I had to manage on this end, 2,000 miles away from my parents who I couldn't get to if they needed me. I knew somebody was there and was caring for them.”

See You Next Year: Originally scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, Autumn Day at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown has been cancelled in order to safeguard our residents.