Double Downsizing
His pet name for her was “ Shuggs” and he was her Donald. They met while Donald was in the Army — he was 19 and she was 17. Family and friends tried to offer advice about their young romance, but they obviously knew best as they’ve now been married for over 65 years. While they had no children of their own, with eight nieces and nephews they certainly had family! Donald’s career took the couple all over the world with Shuggs making the best of every new station and sharing her joy of life with all.
After Donald retired, they moved into a lovely condo and were very active entertaining both friends and members of the various organizations they belonged to. With her talent and imagination, large, memorable dinner parties were Shuggs’ specialty. She also had the necessary supplies: several sets of dinnerware with service for 24, every imaginable serving piece, candles, linens, silverware, dining chairs, folding chairs, large ottomans… the list goes on. Oh, the good times!
The couple was enjoying retirement but then Donald’s eyesight began to diminish. Shuggs took care of him until she accidently hit her shin on their marble-top coffee table while running the vacuum. The wound would not heal and driving was almost impossible. At this point the couple decided to move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) where transportation was included.
Through their realtor they were introduced to Chesapeake Transitions, a Senior Move Management company. Shuggs and Donald felt a huge sense of relief after the first consultation realizing they would not have to do the sorting, downsizing, and packing by themselves. The most difficult part of the process was accepting that hosting their big dinner parties was a thing of the past. Once they came to terms with that fact, the Senior Move Manager® explained their vast array of partyware could be included in an upcoming estate sale providing an opportunity for others to use and enjoy them.
Once all of their goods were packed, the movers arrived and loaded the truck. At the CCRC, the Senior Move Management team was on hand to direct the placement of everything. They spent several hours setting up Shuggs and Donald’s new apartment and when everything was in its place, the boxes and packing materials removed, they were called to “come home.” When the couple entered their new home, the furniture was where they had envisioned, the cabinets stocked, the beds made, their clothing hung, and the bathrooms filled with their items.
Over the next two and a half years Shuggs and Donald enjoyed life at the CCRC, making new friends, going on group excursions and taking classes. They were able to sell their car as transportation was always available. Unfortunately, Donald’s health also began to decline. Their family strongly suggested the couple relocate nearer to them in Las Vegas. This was another difficult decision, but one they knew was wise. The couple called Chesapeake Transitions who again handled downsizing (on much smaller scale than the first time) as well as packing and arranging for a mover. As Shuggs and Donald left to be near family, they were thankful once again to have had help with the move.
AUTHOR: Marilyn Leek, a Certified Senior Move Manager® and owner of Chesapeake Transitions, has provided guidance and support for Maryland seniors and their families for over 15 years.