| Sharing the Dream
by S. Peggy Jackelen, Administrator
“There is nothing like a dream to create the future.” (Victor Hugo)
With the passing of time many of our dreams are fulfilled, challenges are met, needs are addressed. This month Bell Tower Residence honors the women whose dream it was to serve the people of Merrill with continued dedication, compassion, and commitment. Struggling with their own aging and lack of members the Holy Cross Sisters chose to open the doors of their home to older adults who were looking for a pleasant, safe and caring community that they could call home. Thus, Holy Cross Convent was transformed into Bell Tower Residence. On September 27, 1990, the State of Wisconsin officially licensed Bell Tower as a community-based residential facility (CBRF).
Since that day our lives have been enriched by 677 men and women who have graced us with their presence. We have cared for people from every walk of life. We have been fortunate to listen to the stories of laying pipelines in the Middle East, cooking in a lumber camp, teaching at Merrill’s Business College, tales from a telephone operator, to name a few. One resident even completed and published a book while residing at Bell Tower. Together we have celebrated small and great accomplishments. Our residents have taught us how to age gracefully, to cherish life, and to live simply. They have shared their wisdom and experience with us, and many times have tickled our funny bones.
Now we begin a new decade. The challenge of the future is ours. It requires that we work together as new dreams are formed. A short reading from my collection, by an unknown author says it well.
And the God of creation said: I myself will dream a dream with you. Good dreams come from me, you know. My dreams seem impossible: not too practical, not for the cautious man or woman, a little risky sometimes, and a trifle brash perhaps. For those who share my dream, I ask a little patience, a little humor, some small courage and a listening heart. I will do the rest.
You will meet me often as you work: in your companions who share your risk, in your friends who believe in you enough to lend their own dreams, their own hands, and their own hearts to your dream.
There will be sun-filled days, and sometimes it will rain. A little variety -- both from me.
So come now, be content; it is my dream you dream, my caring you witness, and my love you share. And this is the heart of the matter.
Thank you, Holy Cross Sisters, for sharing your dream with us.
______________________________________________________
We have something exciting
we'd like to share with you!
It's the Bell Tower Residence toolbar - once added to IE or Firefox, each time you shop at more than 1,300 stores (from Amazon to Zazzle!) a percentage of your purchase will automatically be donated to Bell Tower Residence - at no cost to you (and you may even save money as the toolbar provides coupons and deals as well!).
The toolbar also has a search box and each time you search the Internet, about a penny is donated to Bell Tower Residence.
http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/bell-tower-residence
______________________________________________________
Scrip Fundraiser for Bell Tower Residence
Helping Bell Tower by using GoodSearch
Monthly Activities
Monthly Resident Story by Myrna Kautz
|
The Bell Tower Residence Labor Day Parade float celebrating our 20th anniversary. Left to right sitting:
Matt Johnson, Nadia King and Linda Schmidt. Left to right standing:
S. Peggy Jackelen and S. Mary Anne Rose.
Children from Good Samaritan Daycare visited Bell Tower on farm animal day.
Resident Elsie Rehfeld enjoys petting
a kitten on farm animal day.
|
