Community in action was witnessed this past week in the small rural towns of Paulding County Ohio. It was demonstrated astronomically with the impending Valentine’s Day on Sunday. It wasn’t the single act of one person but a mindset of a small town community who cares for one another. This pandemic has brought out the worst in some people but has also brought out the best in most others. On the Tuesday evening before Valentine’s Day, the small flower shop in Antwerp, Petals & Vines, was brainstorming ways to show some love to our elderly people who have been cooped up & isolated from loved ones in their Assisted Living homes for almost a year now. With a simple Facebook post announcing a fundraiser for one of the Homes in the county, the grassroots effect went beyond all measure and within a minuscule timeframe all the money was raised for not one, not two, not three, but ALL FOUR Assisted Living facilities in Paulding County!
People from all over the region clamored at the opportunity to be a part of such a special gesture for Valentine’s Day. From as far away as Florida to our neighbors across the county and even into Allen County Indiana all wanted to be a part of this selfless act of kindness. There are 176 residents living in Antwerp Manor, Vancrest of Payne, Gardens of Paulding and Country Inn Enhanced Living — and they all received a Valentine.
Reactions to this act of solidarity of community was echoed in the comments on social media:
“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of this wonderful caring gesture”
“Thank you so much for making so many peoples Valentines special”
“It was so neat to come in tonight & see flowers in each resident’s room & to be able to tell them where they came from & how the community came together for all the facilities in the county “
“You are all special people to give joy to all our county assisted living residents. Thank you”
“I cannot love this enough! You are awesome and this is evidence again that we live in an awesome community!”
These reminders that good is all around us are necessary to perpetuate hope for better days to come. Love for one another in these despairing times can bring a joyful hope that can multiply. It takes a village to demonstrate love — and Paulding County… demonstrate you did!
THANK YOU!
The residents and staff of Antwerp Assisted Living want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our wonderful Valentine surprise. Special thanks to Denise Coleman of Petals and Vines and her family and friends who helped make our gift of flowers and balloons possible. We are truly blessed to live in such a loving and caring community.
Jennifer Ramsier,
Activity Director
