A Community for Older Adults Brings Stories to Life
Independent Living at EverTrue Lutheran Hillside Village
For Dick, writing has always been about preserving stories that matter. As a resident of Independent Living at EverTrue Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria, IL, he found a community of people eager to help him bring those stories to life.
“I don’t think I would have found people willing to step forward and help me if I wasn’t living here at EverTrue Lutheran Hillside Village,” reflects Dick. “There’s no question that we have a family here.”
Preserving Family History Through Writing and Faith
Over the years, Dick has authored several books with the help of his EverTrue Lutheran Hillside Village community, each rooted in family history and faith. His first project, a collection of his father’s meditations with his own reflections, was placed in the EverTrue Lutheran Hillside Village’s cornerstone time capsule, a lasting reminder of the legacy residents like Dick leave to the community.
His second book, The Rich Legacy of Aaron S. Oakford, chronicles the life of his grandfather, a Peoria businessman and civic leader whose contributions shaped the Peoria community in countless ways.
Collaboration and Friendship Make Publishing Possible
“The book became a community project,” recalls Dick, who was happy to receive the support.
One neighbor handled typing and formatting, another resident whose family had ties to the Oakford business shared valuable historical insights, another carefully proofread the manuscript while a fourth community member assisted with research. “Together, we transformed years of family history into a published work.”
“It was nice to have the support to publish the book together,” Dick continued. That sense of support has continued through his next two publications.
Bringing Historical Journeys and Faith to New Generations
His third book, On the Wagon Train, tells the story of his wife’s great-great-aunt Jennie, who traveled by wagon train from Illinois to California in 1859 while keeping a detailed diary.
Most recently, Dick published Let’s Trade Prayers, inspired by a conversation with a close friend more than two decades ago. As they discussed faith and life’s challenges, his friend simply said, “Let’s trade prayers.” That moment became the foundation for a book encouraging readers to strengthen their prayer lives and support one another through faith.
“The same people who helped with one book came back to help with the next,” says Dick.
Finding Friendship and Purpose in Independent Living
Looking back, Dick believes his writing journey would have been very different without the friendships he has built. He didn’t know any of these people before moving into the community. Today, he considers them family. “It’s easy to connect with anybody you want to,” he says.
A Supportive Senior Living Community with Independent Living Options That Inspires Lifelong Passions
In addition to writing, Dick is exploring other avenues of creativity offered at EverTrue Lutheran Hillside Village.
“I’ve taken advantage of a lot of things offered here. I’ve joined the Songsters—I hadn’t sung since high school choir—and I’ve taken up painting,” laughs Dick.
He also is in the process of forming a band with other EverTrue Lutheran Hillside Village residents. “I haven’t played my guitar since high school either!”
While writing remains his primary passion, with his eye on future projects, Dick knows that he is supported in every endeavor by the community he calls home.