So often where we live becomes something we lose appreciation for – people along the coast, people in the hills, even some Celebration residents like me cease to see the wonder, social trust and convenience in their neighborhoods.
Several circumstances in my life collided so that, for the time being, I cannot drive. Now dependent on others for rides I am happy that we can handle everything in one big circle – Celebration Ave. and Celebration Blvd. As I may not have in the past I am enjoying all the sights and benefits I took for granted in the past. (Plus I no long have to fuss at a another driver going 20 mph on a 25 mph road).
Along the way I pass major access roads, roads I once traveled for necessity, pleasure, volunteer work, specialized medical care. Those trips now are good memories as I rediscovered the Orlando I remember from when I lived in the city more than half a century ago.
As we travel I know I can stop at the 851 Building to for town business or to attend a class or presentation. Just beyond that is downtown with shops, restaurants and Lakeside Park (plus others I didn’t count along the way). Each one triggers a memory of events and people that used to mark my calendar.
We then arrive at one of my favorite destinations, my church, center of the few activities I still engage in, snug up against the Columbarium where my husband, Gene, is inurned. COMMPRES is just one of seven faith centers in town.
I’m still in the community when I get down to business – the market, the bank, UPS, Pep Boys, drugstores, the dry cleaners, and most important of all, my hairdresser and manicurist (the very best medicine).
Circling back on Celebration Blvd. we pass the hospital and the nursing home. All my tests, ER visits, doctors, and potential hospital care and rehab are right there.
Finally, we come to the library, always a favorite place but now, with my restrictions, a lifeline to study and pleasure.
Why is this town and easy route so important to me? In our first years here my husband and I could use our talents, enjoy the company of people with similar values, participate in our grandchildren’s many many activities, as well as hop on the highway for fun or necessity. Now my life is different, but still the same in that I have everything I need along just one short route
Several years ago I wrote a book based on my work – “Aging…Get Over It!” where I tried to cover all the elements of careful planning for our later years. The last chapter was about Community. If I were to rewrite the book now I would have to put Community closer to the front of the manual.
I knew Celebration was a special place 10 years ago when we moved here, but I did not appreciate how much it would continue to enrich and ease my life as the years went by.
By Anne Lucas