Testimonials
Why did you move to Independence Village?
Joe
 I had been living alone in an apartment for some time
when I developed health problems. Because my energy
level had dropped severely, I wasn’t able to shop for
groceries, prepare meals, clean the apartment or even
do the laundry. My family was aware of my condition
and was concerned about my well-being. Thankfully
my son offered to let me stay with him for a while.
He and his wife looked at several senior housing
facilities in the Rockford area and felt that
Independence Village would offer me the best
quality of life. I fell in love with the “Village” the minute I walked
through the front door. It was so beautiful and inviting! It wasn’t stuffy
or sterile at all. And, I could see the folks at the Village were happy and
active.
Now that I’ve lived at the Village for several weeks, I have come to love
it even more. It’s like a vacation resort here! The wonderful staff does all
those chores I couldn’t do on my own. Plus, they go out of their way
to help me with anything I need. The food is great and nutritious and
the Village residents are so friendly. Being in this environment gives me
more pep. I do keep busy. I go down to the Great Room to read the
paper and talk over world events with the other guys in the morning. If
the weather’s nice, I go outside and spend some time in the courtyard,
just taking in fresh air and chatting with anyone who’s around. In the
evening I’m usually hanging out with the guys again – either playing
cards or shooting pool. No work and all play - what’s not to like?
I started out life in Chicago. My three brothers, four sisters and I were
raised there by our parents, who moved to the States from Italy. I was
the youngest of this happy Italian family. I joined the military toward
the end of WWII and served in the Army Air Force. I recall celebrating
my 21st birthday in Manila. What a time I had! After my stint in the
military, I went back to the Chicago area and worked as a carpenter.
Eventually, I opened my own business, mainly working on remodeling
jobs. Carpentry is hard, physical labor, so I retired when I turned 62.
When I was younger, I used to do a lot of dancing. In fact, I met my
wife in 1948 at a dancehall in Chicago. She and I dated about a year
before getting married. We had three terrific kids – a girl and two boys.
Sadly, my wife died in 1981, when we had been married 33 years.
I’ll never forget her and how we both loved to dance. Because of my
health, I don’t do a lot of dancing these days.
The Village has helped me get more spunk in my life. I go on group
trips, hang out with the guys and, in general, enjoy life more than I did
when I lived alone. I love it here; my life is so fulfilling. And, I know
my kids are happy that I am living it up at the Village. They no longer
have to worry about me. I have everything I need here.
- Joe
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