A Letter on Happiness from our President

Happiness, however it finds us, is a much needed part of life. It feeds us, heals us, opens us to others and to the world, inspires us, and gives us hope and promise. It is the greatest gift that will ever come our way, and we cannot live and thrive without it.

I have had wonderful fulfillment in my work at Morningside Ministries. I know that we are touching lives and making situations better for older adults and families. Part of the happiness comes from this recognition and achieving goals, but much also comes from the striving. Knowing that there are still opportunities to be gained and areas to grow in service makes “striving” a great source of happiness.

At Morningside, I see employees bringing happiness to residents who live with us. Happiness comes from knowing that someone cares, and we have employees who care deeply. Being cared for and served by those who see their jobs as a giving and loving ministry brings tremendous comfort and happiness.

Of course, my four children make me happy. To see them as adults with strong minds and even stronger opinions brings me great joy. To watch and hear them interact, laugh, disagree, accept their differences, and care deeply about each other is a wonderful thing for a father. When children are not happy, content and fulfilled, Dad is not happy.

I am a boy from the Deep South. Southern accents, balmy summer nights, the smell of honeysuckle and magnolias, a pasture filled with the glow of fireflies, the sound of crickets in the early evening, dogwood trees and azaleas—all of these make me happy because I am reminded of my growing up years in Mississippi. There is an aura in the South that does not exist anywhere else. It is difficult to explain. You really have to experience it to understand it, there is no place quite like it.

Relationships make me happy, particularly those I have formed at Morningside Ministries with residents, employees, and family members. My job as President brings me into contact with talented, wise, and gracious residents who value their life experiences and mine, as well. I know employees who are caring, committed, strong and determined, and always striving to be better. It is a great delight and privilege to share a laugh, a story, a joy, a family detail, and even a very personal somber moment with both groups. Happiness comes from caring about others and knowing they care about me.

There are so many more things that I now realize make me happy. Writing this article on happiness has given me a new appreciation for how joyous and happy my life really is! No more moping for me. My life really is filled with much joy and contentment. Thank you for allowing me to reflect on my personal happiness and joy. Give it a try yourself – you will be amazed to discover just how happy you really are.

Why our residents love us

My parents moved into their Meadows independent living (atrium) apartment almost 2 years ago, from another city. Their (and our) experience here has exceeded our highest hopes. From the compassionate, friendly, helpful staff to the delicious meals, activities, their apartment, amenities, and welcoming residents, we could not have imagined or found a better place for them to be for this season of life! We 5 "kids" are so thankful that they are happy, safe, comfortable, busy, and have made wonderful new friends, both residents and staff. Thank you, MM! It's definitely worth checking out for YOUR parents, too. (Or yourself!)

I learned about Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs when two of my neighbors moved there. Another friend and I frequently drove from our home in Kerrville to visit and play bridge with them. I don't think we ever left that one of us didn't say " I'd like to live here someday." When I realized that "someday" was fast approaching I started visiting retirement communities in several places, including my former home in Colorado where I still had close friends. None of them were as attractive physically as Morningside and none offered as much in the way of programs and services. I chose Morningside for three basic reasons: security, convenience and the sense of a caring community. I have the security of knowing that I will always be cared for, the convenience of having all my needs met in one place and the joy of living in a community where everyone, residents and staff, are considered as family.

My wife and I have been residents in the Independent Living Menger House Apartments at Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs for four years. We chose Menger Springs because of its Hill Country location, excellent and beautiful facilities along with their commitment to personal care and to truly care for those who have cared for so many others by a Not For Profit Christian Corporation. We knew that regardless of what challenges or changes we might meet in the days and years ahead, Menger Springs would be able to provide the care for us. My wife feels so secure here and has the option of participating in so many activities, pursue individual endeavors or to feel free to remain in our apartment. We are so pleased to be residents at Morningside Ministries Menger Springs in beautiful Boerne! I highly recommend it!

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Reach Out to Morningside Ministries

Fill in your contact information to learn more about Morningside Ministries and all we offer.