"A Dream Come True"

     My greatest personal desire was to design, build, decorate and operate my own assisted living residence. Southern Pines became a dream come true for me!



      Southern Pines Retirement Community is a tremendous asset to my hometown. And because the residents and staff chose to become a part of the Southern Pines Family, I have dedicated my book, Little Lady, BIG DREAM to:

• Each resident who lovingly made the choice to live under my roof during the twenty years I ministered as a long-term care provider in my hometown.
• Each employee who willingly ministered alongside me as we tenderly met the needs of hundreds of residents . . .

     From Chapter 21 - "Multi-Million Dollar Dream" (Page 175)
     "Imagine a town street with sidewalks, small storefronts, Victorian street lamps and large windows with awnings. There's a restaurant, a barber shop, a gift shop, a post office and a bank. Now imagine that same street inside the center of a large building. This is the scene-right down to the red and white barber pole and the five-foot-tall black town clock-inside the front entrance of Southern Pines Retirement Community."
     I remember how thrilled I was when Allen agreed to meet with me in my office at Southern Pines. I eagerly read the details aloud to him and he assured me he could envision my biggest dream yet!

     From Chapter 23 - Above and Beyond . . . The Call (Page 193)
     "Are you really taking residents on a Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas?" Sheila, Miss Ruth's granddaughter asked. "Remember my grandmother is 100 years old!"
     "Yep, I am. We're leaving the Sunday after Thanksgiving," I answered. "And I'm not too worried about Miss Ruth as agile as she is."
     "Wow, Debbie…. All I can say is you're braver than I am," Sheila remarked.      "Aren't you afraid to take a chance with that many old folks?" Miss Smith's son, questioned. "What if they get sick while you're gone?"
     "Not worried the least bit. We'll have a big time. If they get sick, well, remember I'm a nurse. Besides, there is a medical staff on board," I replied confidently.
     It didn't matter to me that the staff and I had loads of paperwork to complete, including a medical file for each one taking the trip. I knew advance medications had to be ordered. I understood the numerous liabilities involved. Regardless, I intended to do everything possible to add to my residents' quality of life and their precious memories.