On another beautiful morning in June, I was greeted by Richard, and his wife, Dianne. A tour through their cottage was revealing of their history, passions and interests. We made our way to the back patio to continue talking about life before they joined the family here at Friends Homes.
Immediately, we are greeted by birds chirping and coupled with the sound of the melodic windchime that hangs over the patio, the sense of serenity is palpable.
Richard Shope is a bird fan. “Richard received a grant from the Piedmont Bird Association, and he helped start the Bluebird Club here at Friends Homes,” Dianne points out proudly.
“Right now, we have 34 bluebird houses,” Richard says. “The kind people in the woodwork shop on campus build the houses for us. Ann Keeler, a fellow resident at Friends Homes, keeps a tracking spreadsheet for the group that includes the number of nests, eggs, and the babies from each season.”
I can’t help but react enthusiastically, telling Richard and Dianne how much bluebirds mean to me, and that I have become an official bird-nut by studying and listening to these winged creatures.
Richard laughs, as he shares this same hobby. Dianne says, “Well you can come over anytime and watch and listen to birds!”
Born in Sanford, N.C., Richard is a retired lawyer. He is well spoken and precise with his words. He tells me about his love of the outdoors and shares his adventures hiking camping and traveling all over the world. "My father grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, so camping and hiking was my playground,” says Richard. “My happy place is anywhere in nature.”
This is not Dianne’s idea of bliss.
“My idea is the Ritz Carlton, with at least two swimming pools, so I will graciously pass on Richard’s outdoor trips. I prefer to be inside away from the elements that might kill me!”
“What’s wrong with dying eating the wrong berries, or coming across a bear?” Richard quips.
Scoffing, Dianne retorts, “We just need to find Richard a travel companion.”
It would be tough to pass up a trip with Mrs. Dianne Shope. Dianne, a native of Henderson, N.C., is a retired schoolteacher. She is vibrant, loving and sincere. Her many passions get equal attention, including being a wonderful listener and cheerleader. “I believe in being kind and positive in all situations and relationships,” Dianne says. Her neighbors and friends at Friends Homes see her motto daily.
“I love the people here, I love the activities we have access to, and just this view,” Dianne says.
In that moment, a United Airlines plane passes over the Shope’s backyard and Dianne gasps in delight, “Oh I just love the fact that I can watch planes land and takeoff!” Dianne tells me that she was a flight attendant for years. “I feel like I am back at the airport again.”
When their 2-year-old granddaughter comes to visit, she is just as if not more excited about seeing the planes. "I love hearing her call out: Deedee, airplane, airplane!!” Dianne gushes.
She and Richard have been in Greensboro for 51 years. “You have to be happy where you are planted,” Dianne says with a smile as she looks across the patio at her husband.
Dianne and Richard toured Friends Homes for the first time in July 2020. “We knew when Wendy called us the next day to tell us that a cottage had become available, it was where we were meant to be,” Dianne says.
The Shope's know how to pack, plan and move.
“First of all, we had all this time to sell things and give to family and move things," Dianne says. “I am the throw away Queen."
"And I am the saver king,” replies Richard with a chuckle.
They were even more thrilled when their interior decorator worked closely with the maintenance crew. They both share how important it was that once the decision was made to move in, they put words into action.
“I try to encourage everyone I talk to, that they need to do it now. If you wait until you are ready, it will be challenging. You get to enjoy what is here, continue exploring, but you will only change locations,” Richard shared.
The top three reasons the Shope's moved to Friends Homes:
They love being close to family. Dianne and Richard love spending time with their daughter and granddaughter. “Enjoying living while we are young and healthy enough to ENJOY LIVING. “I just wanted to be somewhere that I can live, and take care of me until…,” Richard trails off, with a gentle smile on his face
Access to healthcare. Richard has already experienced the care offered. “I spent one night in the assisted care living, after 2 nights in the hospital. The dedicated staff told me they would bring my meal to me, but I declined," Richard chuckled."I said 'I'll take my meal with my friends. I need to catch up on what's going on!'" He walked and enjoyed a resident social while he was healing which Dianne attributes to Richard healing faster emotionally and physically. He met an engineer who had been in the Air Force that worked on submarines. "Hopefully, this gentleman will remember our chat," says Richard.
Our team. Dianne went to the wellness center after it was offered as a resident of the future tour. She immediately saw the benefits. “The staff here are just phenomenal,” said Dianne. Richard agrees “It is refreshing to know I could call anytime and ask for assistance, and we always get a timely and thoughtful response. We enjoy being champions of the staff here – we just want to give back to them for the wonderful care they give us. They have such great attitudes.”
As we ended our time together, Dianne and Richard once again awed me with their caring nature.
“I wanted to tell you, we are doing this new thing," Dianne says. “It’s Thursdays at the Lounge, and it gives our neighbors and friends who live alone to congregate with others, create new relationships and enjoy a heck of a good time. No one has to cook, but snacks are encouraged, and you can bring your favorite beverage.”
To learn more about the wonderful amenities, residences, and an opportunity to meet wonderful people like the Shope's, please reach out to our Marketing and Sales Department, and we would be honored to show you what your next adventure looks like when you come live with us.