Lighthouses are beacons of light in the darkness, guiding ships through treacherous waters. They represent hope, strength, endurance, and the ability to overcome challenges in the face of adversity. Gary, who is 80 years old and has been an active part of the Living Resources family for 22 years, is, in many ways, much like the lighthouses he loves so much. His smile can brighten a room and bring comfort to all who are feeling lost or alone.
Gary lived with his family on their family farm until his mid-fifties. After the passing of his parents and his own health scares, Gary joined the Living Resources family, living in a residence not far from his brother Cliff. Today, Gary’s room is filled with numerous representations of lighthouses- wall hangings, aprons, and paintings, many of which he painted himself. His love of lighthouses was inspired by a vacation to Cape Cod with his brother, Cliff. There, they saw many lighthouses and even climbed a few.
Gary is a man of many passions, and while lighthouses might top the list, they’re just one facet of a life lived to the fullest. In his prime, Gary was a formidable athlete. His room brims with trophies, testaments to his prowess as an avid bowler and a dedicated track runner with the Special Olympics. Beyond competitive sports, he was an enthusiastic and outgoing participant in Living Resources Day Community Opportunity Program, always eager to immerse himself in community activities and art instruction.
But time, as it does, brought changes. “No more,” Gary declared, tapping his hip and shrugging. Hip surgery necessitated a slower pace, and a rolling walker became his new companion. His athletic spirit remains undimmed, it was simply rechanneled. These days, Gary is the ultimate armchair warrior, a die-hard fan of the Buffalo Bills, ready to hype them up at a moment’s notice. He still laments their crushing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game a few months back – a true back-and-forth, drama-filled showdown. But ever the optimist, Gary was quick to praise the Bills’ effort, insisting they were “that close” to victory and vowing, with unshakeable faith, that “next year!” would be their year.
So, the next time you see a lighthouse, remember Gary – a beacon of resilience, enthusiasm, and unwavering optimism. In Gary, we see that same guiding light, a testament to the human capacity for joy, resilience, and the simple, profound power of just rejoicing in being alive.