A Letter from B. Mac

Dear Reader,

Sometimes life changes just enough so that you have to stop and regroup. “What should be my next step?” I thought to myself. As it turned out, the next step became the best thing I ever did. Let me tell you how I came to live at The King Home.
 
I was 69 years old in 1999. My wife had passed away six years earlier. For a while, I stayed in our Lake Geneva home, after living in Evanston all of our lives. We had a boat and a lot of good times there, but the boat needed constant attention—just like the house and the lawn.

I was still working in finance and taking the train some 90 miles to the Board of Trade in downtown Chicago. I decided to sell the house and went out to California to work in a friend’s business as a three-year commitment. Weather was great, but family and good friends were here in Evanston, so I moved back.

I moved to an apartment in a high-rise building in downtown Evanston – something with less maintenance than a house. But since I didn’t like to cook, and I wasn’t good at it, I took most of my meals at the local diner. But I’d be sitting there alone looking at a bunch of other guys my age eating alone too. Doing this three times a day was not too inspiring.

I had to pay to park every month at the apartment. Half the time I’d be taking my clothes to the laundromat because the laundry facilities in the basement were almost always busy. So, my living situation was really less than ideal.

I had always known about The King Home in downtown Evanston, which had a club-like atmosphere. Its location at Oak and Grove was perfect. The library, movies, restaurants, and bookstores were all within walking distance. I had convenient access to the “L” and the train, so I could go to Wrigley Field or into the Loop. And the parking was included!

With all of those positives, it was still a big decision. I wasn’t really sure what it would be like to live there. I sat in the park and thought it through and decided to take the plunge. I moved to The King Home, and nine years later I have absolutely no regrets.

For me, the best thing about The King Home is the ease of living. I come down to a hot breakfast in the dining room with congenial friends, pick up the newspaper, get my free haircut, and by the time I go back up to my apartment, the bed’s been made. The whole apartment gets cleaned once a week. Lunch and dinner are included. What’s not to like?

I got rid of my problems. No lawn to mow, broken appliances to replace, or steadily increasing property taxes to pay. And, I have as much freedom as I ever did to go wherever I want. I stay pretty active and even have a part-time job at Northwestern University.

In addition to all that downtown Evanston has to offer, there are lots of options for activities here—lectures, trips and great parties with good food. But no one pressures you to do anything. I have met some great guys who have similar interests, kept my old friends, and easily visit with my four children and 15 grandchildren in the suburbs.

Another thing about The King Home is that although I have kept my own doctor, I have the option to use the doctors from Presbyterian Homes at any time. I will also have full access to health care services (if I need them) and all of the amenities at the Westminster Place campus like the Kimble Fitness Center and warm-water pools.

I invite you to visit here at King Home and see what you think. Call 847-866-2111 to set up a time to stop by. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised by our community!

Sincerely,

B. Mac