Pilgrim Manor has been Pearl VanKuiken’s home for the past year –but it has felt like home for much longer. That’s because Pearl lived half a mile from the community for most of her life. For Pearl, moving to Pilgrim Manor was a homecoming.

“The Lord has been so good to me. It all worked out just the way I hoped it would,” said Pearl about returning to her old neighborhood and the familiar community at Pilgrim Manor. Her son and daughter both worked at Pilgrim Manor when they were kids, many years ago. She can still walk to the church that she has attended for most of her life.

Although Pearl’s life had taken her to other destinations, when the time came for her to move to an assisted living community, there was only one community she had in mind. She has made many friends, loves the staff and enjoys the routines at Pilgrim Manor –even during these challenging times.

“Of course, I liked it even more when we had activities such as bingo, church services, exercise programs and socializing. I do miss the games and cards, and playing Scrabble with neighbors and friends! But I like to read and I can use the library or play Scrabble on my Kindle,” says Pearl.

She also enjoys reading the newspaper, her devotions in the morning and evening, porch visits with her kids and doing exercises in her room. Pearl says that living alone at Pilgrim Manor is far better than living alone on her own. She likes people and likes being around them –and she loved the big fuss everyone made of her when she turned 89 in October. “They celebrated me and sang –it was very special!” she said.

One of her favorite things about Pilgrim Manor is having her meals prepared for her. “Right now, our meals are delivered to our rooms. I feel like I’m staying at the Waldorf with room service!” Pearl said.

Life at Pilgrim Manor is better together. If you’re interested in learning more about our community, call 614-458-1133 or contact us today.