Writer: Aubrey Gilbert
Terry and Kathy Archer feel like God answered their prayers by guiding them to Cedar Lake Village in Olathe, Kansas.
The senior living community had not even been on their radar when they started touring locations in June 2021.
“After visiting five of six recommended communities, we had compared and gathered enough information that we were satisfied we could make an informed decision. We saw what was available and we felt equipped to make the decision sometime in the future. However, I had a compelling feeling that God was telling me to visit the last place on our list, Cedar Lake Village. I convinced Terry to make just one more visit.” says Kathy Archer.
The moment they arrived for a tour; they were impressed by the scenic campus.
“You feel like you are out in the country with fields and a lake nearby. And Terry’s immediate response was, ‘I like this.’ The other sites we visited felt more like living in a busy city with businesses or office buildings close by,” Kathy says.
Making decisions
Their search for senior living began after the pandemic had isolated them at home. Kathy faced a second hip replacement, while Terry experienced knee and hip pain when going up and down stairs. Terry had also finished chemo for leukemia in May 2017.
“Being able to make this decision together while we were relatively healthy and active made it so much easier. Neither of us wanted to make this major decision alone or in a crisis. Everything began to fall into place much faster than we had anticipated. We feel this was one of the best decisions we have ever made,” says Terry.
While touring apartments at Cedar Lake Village, the manager invited the Archers to look at a villa as well.
“When we walked into the villa, we both instantly felt ‘this is what we were looking for!’ Since we weren’t ready for an apartment, this was a fantastic option. Maintenance-free living in our own smaller house was so perfect for us. Were we just being impulsive? Is this what God had really intended for us? We asked God to close this door if this was not in His plan. He continued to open even more doors, and our move proceeded faster than we had ever expected,” says Kathy.
Cedar Lake Village marketing staff helped the couple make decisions about the move and made recommendations for realtors and moving companies.
Packing and moving
“We chose a company called ResettleMe. They came to our house with a miniature-scale floor plan so we could see what furnishings we wanted to take. They were instrumental in advising us about downsizing and they were so organized. We sold what we could, donated items and gave away the rest,” says Kathy.
Terry laughs while talking about the dots that ResettleMe provided.
“They put a green dot on the stuff going to our new villa and red spots on things we were leaving behind. I was worried that Kathy might just stick a red dot on me and leave me behind. Moving is not for the weak at heart! I guess she decided to take me along for the ride,” says Terry.
“Our house sold by the first part of September and we moved into our villa on Oct. 5, 2021. Wow, what a whirlwind! ResettleMe had a team of skilled ladies who carefully packed and unpacked everything into our new home, even my plants. When we arrived at the villa, the ladies had the beds made, everything was in its place, and the scented candle was sending a beautiful welcoming fragrance throughout the house,” says Kathy.
At the end of the process, ResettleMe had a team prepare their former house for sale. The Cedar Lake Village maintenance crew came to their new home to hang pictures and decorations.
Getting involved
Terry and Kathy are grateful for the friendly, helpful staff members, the Christian atmosphere, and the kind, considerate neighbors at Cedar Lake Village.
“We found folks at Cedar Lake Village very welcoming. We have met so many people who are still young at heart, full of wisdom and have lived such vibrant lives. Cedar Lake Village is like one big family to which we were readily adopted. Folks are so compassionate, loving and caring,” says Kathy.
Cedar Lake Village has around 200 residents and a schedule full of activities and educational and volunteer opportunities.
“Our activity directors are the best. There is never a lack of something to do. Our multipurpose room called the Worship and Life Center, is busy all the time. The activities range from bean bag baseball, to movies, concerts, resident theater, choir, chimes practice and performances, exercise classes and much more. The activity calendar is full every day. There are even off-campus activities, like shopping, theater and lunch bunch, with transportation included,” says Kathy.
On Sundays, the Worship and Life Center transforms into a full non-denominational church service. Pastors come weekly to provide the service. And volunteer residents set up the altar, pulpit, piano, organ and appropriate vestments each Saturday. On Sunday, resident volunteers read scripture, and play the organ, piano and violin. Special music is also provided by guests and sometimes residents. Separate Catholic and Lutheran services are also provided.
“We are very blessed to have this available on campus,” Kathy says.
Enjoying their home and amenities
Cedar Lake Village offers a continuum of care with villas, apartments, assisted living, memory care assisted living and long-term care center all on campus.
“This concept was unique compared to all the other communities we visited. As we age and need more services or need to move to a higher level of care, we are first on the list before outside applicants. Cedar Lake Village can be our forever home until God calls us home. Our doctor’s office, eye care clinic, hospital, and other services are only 5 minutes away. The Cedar Lake Village van provides transportation for those who need assistance,” says Kathy.
“We simply love living in our maintenance-free villa. It has two bedrooms, two baths and an open concept. We have a two-car garage, a safe room for our Kansas weather, a full kitchen, living room, den, four seasons room and patio. Everything is on one floor,” says Kathy.
“No more lawns to mow. No more snow to shovel. No more repairs to consider,” says Terry.
They both enjoy mornings spending time together in their four seasons room with a cup of coffee or tea, reading their daily devotions and watching for wildlife in the field adjacent to their backyard.
Celebrating a long marriage
Terry and Kathy have known each other since first grade. They were both from the same small town in western central Kansas. Kathy lived on a farm and Terry lived in town.
They both attended Fort Hays State University and were married shortly after graduation. They moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where Terry taught history in junior high school and Kathy worked as an RN at a local hospital. Although they were not intending to stay more than two years in the city, they have made the Kansas City area their home since 1970.
Terry loves to tell the story of the first time he met Kathy when they were in elementary school.
He laughs saying, “She’s been bossing me around since first grade. She told me I had my boots on the wrong feet and she was right.”
“The good Lord has blessed us every step of the way. We have two wonderful children and eight grandchildren. We both had wonderful careers. We have been able to travel abroad and enjoy life together. God has opened doors for us all along our journey together and He continues to guide and direct our lives, even directing us to Cedar Lake Village to continue to live our lives to the fullest as we age together. We feel truly blessed,” Terry adds.