Tuesday, November 26, 2013

"Grace Filled Dreams"

Grace Filled Dreams…..
Everyone at Grace Care Cypress was very excited as we secretly prepared for our first "Grace Filled Dreams". We planned an elaborate birthday surprise for resident Bonnie Windham. Bonnie was our first resident at Grace Cypress when it opened in 2009 and she was turning 100 years old this year. It only seemed fitting for her to be our first "Grace Filled Dreams" recipient. "Grace Filled Dreams" is a new program at Grace Care Centers which gives residents a chance to fulfill a dream or relive one. Bonnie shared with our staff that one day she would love to go shopping again and eat lunch at Neiman Marcus. Neimans was very special to Bonnie. She began working at Neiman Marcus in Dallas during a Christmas holiday season and she loved it so much she stayed for over 30 years. She loves sharing stories with the staff at Grace Cypress about her career at Neman Marcus.

As everyone was busy planning Bonnie's surprise we were all focused on what would make her happy! We made sure every detail was covered so that she would look and feel beautiful on her special day and that she would arrive in style at Neiman Marcus in a beautiful white limousine. On her big day everything played out just as we had planned complete with nails polished and a beautiful new outfit! When we surprised her with the details of her special outing she exclaimed, "Somebody please wake me up", she said, "I must be dreaming". We all laughed at her humor. She was presented a certificate from Neiman Marcus for lunch for herself and three friends. She was so surprised when she saw her transportation, a beautiful limousine. Bonnie was accompanied on her shopping trip by her dear hairdresser friend at Grace Cypress, Diane O'Connor, her aid, Kathy Van Zandt, and Grace Care Cypress Community Liaison, Donna Martin.

During the ride she shared that her trip was a "breath of fresh air". Bonnie loved every moment of her shopping trip and lunch. She was so gracious and thanked everyone along the way for their kindnesses to her. Her "Grace Filled Dreams" began as a special surprise for her but along the way it made a difference in many lives. Many hearts were touched by her and the generosity of those that made her trip happen! When we arrived back at Grace Cypress at the end of the trip, just when we thought things couldn't get any better, there was one more surprise. We offered the limo driver, Donald, a tip but he refused and told us to look at the card he gave Bonnie. He not only gave her a birthday card but also a bouquet of flowers. When she opened the card there was a two dollar bill and a beautiful hand stitched cross with a beautiful poem inside that his 80 year old mother had made. There wasn't a dry eye around as everyone felt his love and generosity for our very special Bonnie Windham.

Not only was this shopping trip a breath of fresh air to Bonnie but Elizabeth Harris, shared that our "Grace Filled Dreams" experience was a "breath of fresh air" to everyone at Grace Cypress! For more details about Grace Filled Dreams please contact Donna Martin at dmartin@hmshealthcare.com.

December News and Highlights




Grace Connections
Grace Care Center of Cypress * 9602 Huffmeister *
Houston, Texas 77095 * 281.463.9001*
Grace Care Cypress News
and December Highlights
We congratulate former Executive Director, Elizabeth Harris,
on her promotion to Regional Business Development Director
and we welcome our new Executive Director, Nathan Redberg,
to Grace Care Cypress. Nathan transferred to Cypress from our
Grace Care Lufkin facility. He brings with him eight years
of experience. He moved to CyFair with his wife
Elsa and their two children, Lily and Ethan and their
two family cats, Pink and Roxy.
During his free time Nathan enjoys playing golf,
softball and he enjoys adventures with his family.
If you have questions, concerns or just want to chat
feel free to drop in and say "hi".
December Highlights
December 7th - Grace Care Cypress Family Council Meeting
10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Activity Room
All family members and friends are encouraged
to attend. Barbara Robins Coordinator:
barobins3@yahoo.com, 281-550-9326
December 11th - Christmas Shopping in our Grace Lobby
Clothes, Jewelry, Crafts and more…
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
December 12th - Winter Wonderland – 4:30 to 7:00
Please join us for a wonderful world of
spectacular holiday celebration, including
a holiday dinner, drinks, games and more!
December 17th -"Caring Angel Tree" Christmas Party
Champion Forest Baptist Church Friends
Dining Room – 6:30 pm
December 20th - Walmart Shopping with Cheri and Julie
December 20th - Mary Kay – Adopt a Grandparent Party
Grace Lobby – 3:00 pm
December 24th - Family Council Eggnog & Wassail Social
Grace Lobby at 4:00 pm
December 25th - The Holiday Project’s Christmas Day
Volunteer Visit – 10:00 am
December 31st - Family Council Champagne Punch
Grace Lobby at 4:00 pm
For more details on upcoming December events and additional activities please see the
Activity Calendar and the Lobby Bulletin Board