Over the years, people have asked me two questions that, at first glance, don’t seem related.
Why do I love golf so much? And why did I choose to go into home care after spending so many years in a different industry? To me, they’re connected.
The truth is, I didn’t always have a close relationship with my father.
That changed later in life—unexpectedly—about the same time I had just started getting into golf. At some point, he mentioned that he played too. I had no idea.
But that one thing gave us something to connect over. It gave us time together. And over time, it brought us closer.
About 18 years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. Not long after, he was hospitalized and a few days later we got the call to come to the hospital immediately—he wasn’t expected to make it through the night. My brother, my mom, and I went. We sat there together, waiting.
But somehow… he pulled through.
Within about a week, he had recovered enough to come home. He was still weak and on oxygen. But there was one thing he wanted to do:
Play golf.
I remember asking him if he was sure. He didn’t hesitate. So, he and my brother went golfing.
I can still picture it clearly. It was a beautiful day—sunny, calm, just one of those perfect days. He’d get out of the cart, set his oxygen tank down, take his shot—still straight as ever—and then pick it back up. We laughed. We told stories. We just enjoyed being together.
Two weeks later, he passed away.
But that round of golf is something I will never forget. That’s why I love golf. It gave me something I didn’t always have—a real connection with my father.
And that’s also why I chose home care.
I believe families deserve more moments like that – meaningful moments that aren’t rushed or confined to hospital rooms. The longer someone can stay safe, independent, and supported at home, the more those moments happen.
That’s what drives what we’re building at Gently Aging Home Care. It’s not just about care—it’s about protecting time. And helping families make the most of it.
If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home companion care in East Lyme, CT, or any of the surrounding Connecticut shoreline communities, contact the professional home care team at Gently Aging Home Care. Call us today at (203) 864-4700.
