Most Sundays we have dinner with Louise’s mother at her retirement community. Over time, I’ve not only learned the names of some residents as they either join us with our meal or stop by to chat with Mary Louise but I’ve also come to look forward to familiar faces and I’m most saddened when some faces permanently disappear. Regular visits also reinforce how fast health changing events can alter a resident’s physical and mental outlook and capabilities; a fall or stroke can literally change a person overnight.

Recently, the management of the retirement home have chosen to sell this prime, off of downtown, real-estate. The sale necessitates that all of these seniors find a new place to live. Although the management has made plans for an orderly transition of residents to move to a new facility, at no cost to the resident. The move is traumatic for those who love and crave a stable familiar home with friends; in addition, some residents have chosen to move to other locations; thus breaking up the “old gang’.

This Sunday, Hugo, a crowd favorite for his sparkling personality and ability to spend a good yarn, stopped by the table to say goodbye as he will be moving out of state (to live closer to his daughter). I shook Hugo’s hand twice just to reaffirm his strong grip and my sadness at having to say good bye. Although I see most of the residents as seniors, I realize that at most some of these people are only 10 or 15 years older than me; am I ready to live in a retirement community with a fast and ever revolving set of friends? Or better yet, will I find others will enjoy Bob Marley, Junior Marvin, and other reggae all-stars?