Over the River and Through the Woods: Taking Stock of Your Loved One’s Well-being at Holiday Time
December 21, 2023 No Comments
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This past Saturday, the Willow Brook Board of Trustees and members of the Willow Brook staff Cabinet came together to celebrate and honor Larry Harris and his legacy as the founding CEO of Willow Brook, in light of his January 31 retirement. A special luncheon and program was held in the Summit Room at Willow Brook at Delaware Run. Slides featuring Larry at all stages of his career were projected onto the big screen, and Larry’s family was able to join in the festivities. Larry’s wife Janet; son Stephen, daughter-in-law Kristen, and granddaughter Ora Rose; and daughter Becky were all on hand for the festivities. (Larry’s son Ben, based in Washington, DC, will be seeing Dad this weekend.)
Larry received several thoughtful gifts from the board and cabinet, including a set of pens crafted from wood at all three Willow Brook campuses and a money tree for all of his and Janet’s retirement travels. A treasure box full of “Letters for Larry” was stuffed to the brim with hundreds of special sentiments and well-wishes from residents, staff and former staff, families, and friends of Willow Brook. Janet received a cross pin crafted from locust thorns at Delaware Run.
Larry said, “The stunningly creative gifts blew us away! The pen set crafted from my trees is something I will cherish the remainder of my life and forever be a reminder of these acres that I love so much. And Janet’s cross pin created from locust thorns from Delaware Run is a symbol of the love we experienced on Saturday. And the money tree – oh my goodness! Thank you. We are talking about a trip to somewhere other than our beloved Vermont – New York City, maybe, but yet to be determined. And the letter/card shower – how moving! We have only begun to read our way through them all. Keeping a supply of Kleenexes nearby…”
In keeping with Larry’s preferences, the food for the meal was prepared by the Willow Brook culinary team and the event was held on Willow Brook grounds rather than an outside restaurant or banquet facility.
This event was a small token of the larger-than-life love for Larry and the Willow Brook he has nurtured and tended all these years. We will miss you, Larry, but don’t worry—we will Be Good.