Southfield Village Stories

I was recently asked, “Why do Dreams matter?” The question caught me off guard, but it also invited me to reflect on the purpose behind Greencroft’s Resident Dreams Program. So, why do dreams matter?

Adventures Matter

“Just do it! Don’t wait until it’s too late — because it gets to be too late real fast!”

Those words come from Gail, a Windsor of Savoy resident who had always dreamed of flying in a helicopter. Despite her adventurous spirit and decades of travel, this bucket-list experience remained just out of reach. At 85-years-young, Gail finally took to the skies with her son and a favorite Windsor of Savoy team member. Now she has one more adventure to add to her cherished memories.

Goals Matter

Vicky, a Golden Years resident, wrote to our Dreams Team:

“At my age there are fewer things to look forward to, especially when you are disabled. I would have jumped up and down [when receiving approval for my dream] if I was able!”

For 16 months, Vicky has been rebuilding her strength, mobility, and independence in hopes of returning home from Golden Years to live with her husband. Having her lifelong dream of a total makeover approved and fulfilled gave her just the boost she needed to keep working toward that goal.

Memories Matter

After five years of using a wheelchair and watching church services by livestream each Sunday, Greencroft Goshen resident Byron told his daughters:  

“I wish I could go to church one more time.” 

That simple wish set the wheels in motion for his daughters, Dawn and Twilight, who are also Greencroft Goshen residents. They submitted one of the year’s most humble Dream applications: a request for staff support and transportation so all three could attend church together one more time. 

Dawn and Twilight later shared:  

“The day itself was neat. Dad got to see quite a few friends he had not seen for years. On the way home, he saw and recognized his grandmother’s house, his old house, and our old house. We were also able to stop at the cemetery and visit family gravesites. [Team members] Paul and Melissa were great. We really appreciated their help and are thankful for the time we were able to have with our dad.”

Legacies Matter

“It will give me reassurance that my great-grandchildren will know and understand the talent that I have received from God. It will also help me share my love for God and hymns of faith [with them].”  

Greencroft Goshen resident Margie wrote those words on her Dreams application. With each passing year, her desire to share her legacy of music and faith with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren had grown stronger. In collaboration with Goshen College, Margie and three friends spent an afternoon in Rieth Recital Hall recording her life and faith story through music. Margie now has DVDs to give her family members this Christmas, each featuring a moving hour-long concert of music, testimony, and stories created especially for them. 

Individually, these Dreams may not change the world. But when we dare to dream together —  and share those dreams with one another — the ripple effects just might.