EngAGE Regional Program Director Jennifer Fallon kindly shared this poignant story with the EngAGE team, and now, with you:
EngAGE brings so many wonderful experiences to our seniors every day. Our residents are at a different period in their lives facing new challenges, opportunities, and struggles. Our job allows us to educate them, to help them explore hidden gifts, and most of all to establish new relationships within their residential community.
Today, I struggle with a loss of a wonderful resident, John Duffy, a retired Gunnery Sergeant who served in the Korean War. I only knew him for three years at Cotton’s Point, but he touched my life dearly. Professionally, EngAGE gave me the opportunity to provide him financial and health resources through educational presentations and phone calls. Socially, he always came to our events. In particular, he really enjoyed the visiting school children who would sing at our property. Personally, he wasn’t just a resident, he was my friend. I was blessed to learn about him through the years. EngAGE events allowed me to see him smile, socialize with his neighbors, and talk to him about his life. His memories that he shared with me have more meaning than ever right now. Receiving the call from his son this morning was a difficult one. His family’s words to me – “Thank you for being there for my dad.” – bring a wonderful sense of fulfillment and love.
When we have difficult days with our job, please remember that our work touches the hearts of many forever.
Warmly,
Jennifer Fallon
