Donn Jourdan has been a resident at Stonebrook Village since July 31, 2019. Donn has always had an affinity towards music, and he continues to keep music a part of his life today. To step back in time a little, Donn was the President of the Glee Club in his senior year of high school. He played bass in his army band when he was stationed in Newfoundland after WWII. The band would play at the PX and other places.
After he left the Army, he married his beautiful wife Betty in 1951. He and his wife had five children and they gravitated towards music as well. Donn enjoyed singing with them and playing his ukelele. But as life does sometimes, responsibilities didn’t provide Donn with as much time to enjoy playing his instruments as much as he would’ve liked, and this talent went by the wayside. And, as he entered his older adult life, the ability of his fingers to play like he used to simply wasn’t possible anymore.
Fast forward to 2020, the year of COVID. Residents were limited in activities, so Donn spent a lot of time in his apartment. His daughter-in law reintroduced him to playing the ukelele. Donn remembers that conversation and said he expected his daughter in-law to come in with a little plastic uke but when she arrived one day, she had a beautiful instrument with her! So, Donn retaught himself how to play and he learned the “Happy Birthday” song so that he could bring joy to his fellow residents on their special day. Donn makes sure he knows who has a birthday coming up and he always sings and plays for them on their birthday. Donn now even plays for the staff members so he can put a smile on their faces as well.
We truly feel this is what senior living is all about. It’s about continuing to do things one enjoys and is passionate about. It’s about feeling good as one gets older, having a sense of purpose and knowing you are never too old. Age is truly just a number!