BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED
Bloom where you’re planted
The old saying goes
I’m called an old lady,
No longer a rose
I’ve been transplanted
From all that I’ve known
My John, my friends, my house,
I’m alone
Planted in Merrill Gardens
My roots in the ground
My close family nurtures,
New friends I have found
With a smile on my face
And faith in my heart
I will bloom where I’m planted
Till this Earth I depart
For 61 years, I grew and blossomed alongside my husband, John. Together, we experienced many unique chapters: teaching, raising two children, developing and selling three farms, building three homes, and planting 200 acres of walnut trees. Our adventures took us to Croatia, where, for 20 years, we renovated a seaside villa, managed an Airbnb, and created the country’s only avocado grove. Traveling across Europe with friends, children, and grandchildren, we built a life rich in partnership and teamwork. Without John by my side, I wondered how I could keep growing and blooming.
When life changes, so many questions arise: Where should I live? Should I be alone? What can I afford? What possessions are truly necessary? Is my health strong enough for independence? What will fill my days? The choices of senior living, retirement homes, or assisted living represent a significant shift—one that requires courage and adjustment. It is one of the most important choices we make in our lives and possibly the last.
For me, location quickly became my top priority. It was essential that my new home be close to my daughter and conveniently situated along the route to my grandkids. This proximity would allow me to maintain strong family connections and make visits easier and more frequent. I carefully reviewed my options and immediately eliminated any places with a very high entrance fee. By doing this, I was able to make more sensible decisions that would help me stay within my budget. I focused on finding an environment that was open, airy, and pleasant, with friendly surroundings and a welcoming staff. These qualities were important to ensure my comfort and happiness in a new setting. Since I no longer drive, I looked for places with easy, flat walking areas and convenient access to local businesses. This would allow me to continue my daily activities independently and safely. After considering all these factors, I chose to move into Merrill Gardens at Burien in November 2021.
As I wandered through the aisles of the Big Lots store just across the street from my new home, a picture on the home decorations shelf suddenly caught my attention. Its simple message read: BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED. Picking up the picture, I realized that this message was exactly what I needed to hear. Inspired, I decided to buy it and place it outside the door of my apartment. It is an everyday reminder that I have been planted in a retirement home, and now is my opportunity to grow and thrive here. I am determined not to wilt.
Motivated by this new perspective, I wrote the poem at the beginning of this blog for our resident newsletter, hoping to encourage others to also bloom where they are planted.
Even when loneliness creeps in, I am reminded that I am not alone. My two wonderful children have not yet become my parents but are always here for me. My five grandchildren, along with their spouses and babies, fill my life with joy and youthful energy. Now is the time to be near these great-grandchildren. I am grateful to still be able to travel and by selling our property in Croatia, I have the means to live comfortably and independently. I no longer wish to live alone and am ready to let someone else handle the cooking and cleaning.
While Merrill Gardens may not be the same as the other places I have lived, I recognize that it suits me well at this stage of my life. I am grateful for the memories I have gathered from all the places I have called home before. These memories continue to enrich my life, reminding me of the experiences and joys that have shaped who I am today. I have what I need to grow—food, shelter, support, and even a little sunshine now and then. I know it's up to me to go to the daily exercise class to get moving, pick a healthy diet, and look after both my body and my mind.
When I make good choices, I’m doing my best to stay healthy and keep learning and growing. Just as important as self-care are the friendships I have built. A shared meal, an outing, a glass of wine with special new friends make life more fun and help me feel like I belong in this place. I will bloom where I am planted.