Chris' Story - Walker Methodist

Chris’ Story
At Walker Methodist Lyndale, there is a community
puzzle across a table in the library. People can come
and go as they choose and put together as much of the
puzzle as they would like. This puzzle symbolizes the
community itself. Every individual contributes something
to the whole. This is the story of one of the vital pieces
of the puzzle; a man who doesn’t call himself a leader,
but clearly is one.
Every day on the way into work, Chris would stop by
Cub and pick up breakfast and the newspaper. Because
of his frequent visits, he knew the cashier who worked
the early morning shift. She knew Chris had issues
with his knees and back after a lifetime in construction.
When he finally told her he was going to retire and
wasn’t sure where he’d live, she immediately told him
“I know where you’ll live” and in a short time, Chris had
moved into Walker Methodist Lyndale.
Chris is the neighbor we all wish we had. He scrapes
snow off other residents’ cars, changes light bulbs,
organizes social events, brings others grocery
shopping, cleans the community kitchen, and even fills
in when staff aren’t in the building. If you ask him why
he does all of these things, he’ll shrug and tell you it’s
just the right thing to do.
Sara Aschenbrener, Walker Methodist employee
and former housing manager for Walker Methodist
Lyndale said Chris is the “voice of the people”.
He has earned the trust and respect of everyone in
the community. When she was new in her role,
he showed her the ropes.
Chris
with the
community
puzzle.
Even though he’s retired, Chris says he doesn’t
consider himself a senior. “I don’t feel like a senior”.
In fact, his next vacation will include two weeks of
helping seniors, his Mother and Father, who are
89 and 90 at their home in Arizona.
Chris grew up in a family that believed seniors deserve
respect and help from those who are younger and
able. “They’ve worked a lifetime, raised their families”.
He recalls a time when there was a 3-day weekend and
he took the time to drive to his Grandmother’s house
to help her. When he arrived, many of his cousins were
already there. They all had the same idea.
“One day I’m going to need help, I hope when that
happens someone will do the same thing for me as
I’m doing for them”.
Chris is a natural leader with years of coaching
experience, but likes that Walker has increased his
social time. He admits he used to keep to himself.
Chris said “if I had to start over, and knew of all the
options for places to live, I would still come here”.
Chris’ daughter is a frequent visitor in the building.
He smiles as he describes how everyone knows her
and she stops to sit and talk with people. He admits
he’s rubbed off on her.
Chris is one of the many people who work together
to create an amazing community at Walker Methodist
Lyndale. They all help complete the puzzle.
Spring 2012 3