Finding love amidst COVID-19

Armstrong retirement community residents find love in COVID-19

Ken Henley and Anne Graerper grew closer amidst the pandemic! 

It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day for the love bug to bite! Whether you’re 32, 72, or 92, it’s never too late to fall in love. Just ask Ken Henley and Anne Graeper who began noticing one another in late January of 2020. The two had seen each other come and go over the past year and a bit, but the connection wasn’t made until recently. “It started when I would wave to her in the dining room; it brought a smile to her face and mine,” says Ken. When Valentine’s Day rolled around Ken would place hearts on her place mat in the dining room and then even left her a heart on her suite door. And so the romance began. Little by little, with caution, Anne slowly began to let the walls  come down and allow the possibility of love enter her heart.  

The two connected just prior to a unique time in history. Social distancing is the message we hear strongly these days; perhaps physical distancing would be a better term. As for these two, COVID bridged the gap!  

“One of the positives that I have witnessed over these past few months of masks, isolation, and distancing is the residents of Heaton Place Retirement Residence have grown closer to one another. Throughout the summer it would not be odd to see several seniors visiting in the front entrance of our building; those who in the past had no connection with one another.  

As for Ken and Anne, well, they have spent days getting to know each other more personally. It wasn’t until COVID came along and protective protocols were put into place at Heaton that they began to spend more time getting to know each other. “I never thought finding a companion to enjoy life’s moments would come at 92 years of age,” says Anne. Of  the many activities that Heaton Place offers, sitting around a poker table has been one that both Ken and Anne have participated in since they moved in. We often have entertainment, slideshows, card games, and more going on for our residents, so there is always something to engage in. You never have to feel alone at Heaton Place.  

“Our recent connection has given us more reason to stick around”, says Ken! When I asked the two if they were falling in love, they both looked at each other and giggled! “We smooch a lot” says Ken, so I guess you can say we are!” Both Ken and Anne lost their spouses 5 years ago, and had resolved to the fact that they would live the rest of their days out single, but, the Universe had a different plan for them. Anne has her suite and two doors down, Ken has his suite. “I like the fact that neither of us interfere with each other’s affairs”, says Anne. “Rather, we spend time playing crib, going for walks and snuggling on the couch watching sports! We even got busted smooching in the hallways”, says Anne with a chuckle!  

When I asked them if they had a message to share, they simply said “Enjoy life the best you can and be grateful.”  

It has been a pleasure to watch these two grow in friendship. “Thanks to them, I have hope for myself”, says Carrie with a chuckle!