A Reminder for Me
Written by Jessica P. Beaven, Executive Director
As an administrator of a senior living community, it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations. There are always decisions to make, problems to solve, and things that need our attention. And sometimes, in the busyness of it all, we can miss what matters most—the smiles, the laughter, the conversations, and the special moments happening all around us between residents, friends, staff, and family members.
This past year has reminded me in a very personal way that life is short, and we should never be too busy to notice the good happening right in front of us.
Last October, I lost my dad.
My Dad was a good man who loved everyone and was loved by so many. Our residents knew him. Our families knew him. He was a part of my life here, just as he was such a huge part of my life everywhere else. I was proud to be his daughter then, and I will always be proud to be his daughter.
Losing my Dad at 38 years old has caused me to look back at our time together differently. I find myself thinking about all the moments that may have seemed ordinary at the time but mean so much to me now.
I remember watching him play golf and admiring just how good he was at it. I remember hearing him share about the Lord because his faith was such a BIG part of who he was. I remember how deeply he loved his family and how much joy he brought into our lives.
And I have realized something through my grief: we have to make the moments count—at every age.
We truly don’t know what tomorrow will bring. So while we have today, we should laugh. We should celebrate. We should tell people we love them. We should take the picture. We should sit a little longer and listen to the story we’ve heard before. We should make memories with the people around us.
That is why this year’s Assisted Living Week feels especially meaningful to me.
As we celebrate “Shining Through the Years,” I want to intentionally look for the joy around us. I want to celebrate the lives and stories of the incredible people who call our community home. I want us to laugh, have fun, celebrate one another, and make the kind of memories that stay with us long after the moment has passed.
This year, celebrating joy may feel a little different for me. There will always be someone I wish were here to share it with me. But my Dad brought too much joy into my life for me not to keep looking for it, sharing it, and creating it for others.
I know my Dad would be proud of what we have accomplished at Homeplace of Henderson and, more importantly, of the love and joy that fill this community.
So during Assisted Living Week—and every week—my reminder to myself is simple:
Life is short. Make the moments. Share the joy. Love your people. And no matter what season of life you’re in, keep SHINING!
P.S. Miss you, Dad! ❤️