A Week to Remember
Sometimes, the best vacations are about more than simply reaching a destination. They are about the journey, the excitement of discovering new places, and the memories made along the way. For the people we serve in our cluster, that journey began in Brooklyn, New York, with one destination in mind: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
Two cars, twelve residents, five DSPs, and one manager packed up and headed south on I-95, ready for a week of sun, fun, and adventure. But our folks weren't interested in simply getting to Myrtle Beach. They wanted to experience the journey too. As they traveled from state to state, Marilyn Wheeler had an important mission: “I want to count how many states we would pass.” And that's exactly what they did. Every time they entered a new state, the group made a stop at the welcome center.
Each stop became part of the adventure as everyone learned about and experienced the states along the way. The trip even took them through Washington, D.C. Edward Weinstein was fascinated by the Washington Monument and declared that he would "like to see the sword up close next time.” His curiosity and sense of humor became one of the memorable moments of the journey.
Welcome to Myrtle Beach!
After making their way south, the group finally arrived in Myrtle Beach—and they were welcomed by a beautiful beachfront home that would be theirs for the entire week. The excitement was immediate. Edward Drozd had only one question upon arrival: “Can I jump into the pool now?” With their own private pool, a walkway leading directly to the beach, and easy access to the ocean, there was plenty to be excited about.
Some couldn't wait to jump into the pool. Others wanted to feel the sand beneath their feet. A few headed straight toward the ocean. And, of course, at least one person knew that before any vacation could truly begin, it was important to find their new bed for the week! Kenya Hanley summed up the excitement perfectly upon arrival: “It's time to boogie!” And boogie they did.
Sun, Sand, Pool, and Memories
For the next seven days, the group enjoyed everything their beach vacation had to offer. Days were filled with swimming in the pool, enjoying the ocean, feeling the sand beneath their feet, and simply relaxing in the beautiful surroundings. The group even enjoyed a barbecue right in front of the pool, turning an ordinary meal into a special vacation memory.
Evenings brought another favorite activity: beach walks before bedtime. Some residents couldn't get enough of the water and enjoyed taking another dip in the pool before and after dinner. Every day brought something new to enjoy, and every moment gave the group another memory to take home.
“Can We Live Here?”
Unfortunately, even the best vacations have to come to an end. After a full week of laughter, relaxation, swimming, beach walks, barbecues, and new experiences, it was finally time to pack up and head back home. Residents and staff alike were reluctant to say goodbye to their beach house and their week in Myrtle Beach. Eric Caleb captured everyone's feelings when he said: “It was great. I don't want to leave. Can we live here?” His question said it all. William Sheehan felt the same way, taking in the beauty and excitement of the trip and saying: “This is something else. I want to retire here.”
The Myrtle Beach trip was a tremendous success. For some of the people we serve, this was their first vacation. For others, it had been a long time since they had experienced a getaway like this. Regardless of their previous experiences, everyone had the opportunity to explore, relax, have fun, and create memories together.
What started as a simple idea—a beach vacation—became a week filled with discovery, laughter, independence, and adventure. And judging by everyone's reaction, this won't be the last trip. Myrtle Beach may have been the destination, but the memories made along the way were the real vacation. Here's to making it a yearly tradition!