When 96-year-old Tommie Thompson landed in the hospital, she had no idea that a short rehab stay in a Methodist Home would lead her and her daughter, Carol Savage, into an entirely new and vibrant chapter of life.
It was in January of 2018 that Tommie got sick and spent 10 days in a hospital in Jasper, Alabama. Until that illness, Tommie lived independently, active in her church and community, so it was no surprise that when she got to Fair Haven, Tommie’s recovery went well. After only a couple of weeks of therapy, Carol had her mom’s home health service all lined up and ready to go. But Tommie said, “I want Carol to find me an apartment, I’m going to move over here.” Carol canceled the home health and called the movers that day.
As lifelong Methodists, Tommie and Carol (now 103 and 82) remember well when denominational leaders were visiting the churches and letting everyone know about the new Methodist Home being built in Birmingham. They remember passing by the community now and then through the years, but this was the first time either of them had been inside. Carol identified an apartment for her mom and set it up. Three days after leaving rehab, Tommie was pushing a buggy through Target to find some more items that she needed for her new apartment. A remarkable recovery indeed.
To order materials for an offering, click here. To find out more about offering options, including a new Fountain of Love video featuring Board member Dr. John Ed Mathison, click here. To give securely online to the Fountain of Love, click here.
Carol began the process of looking for a place to rent for herself that was near her mom, but then she thought of the potential benefits of moving into Fair Haven as well. She told her mother that she was going to talk to the administrator and see if they had a 2-bedroom independent living apartment available. They did indeed, and Carol talked with family members and made moving plans of her own.
While Tommie enjoys long hours of reading, Carol is more social and quickly became involved in volunteering. Mary Margaret Tomlin, president of the auxiliary at the time and the community’s former administrator, wanted to enlist her for the gift shop, but Carol said she didn’t know how to operate a cash register. Mary Margaret sent her into the shop anyway, and asked her find out from another volunteer how to operate the register. Carol complied, and the volunteer indicated the register and said, “Well, if it gets locked up on you just pick it up, turn it over and knock it twice and it will probably come open!”
The register no longer a barrier, Carol found that the gift shop was a perfect fit, and a great way for her to get to know others in the community.
Mary Margaret was also the person who introduced Carol to the Fountain of Love Fund. She learned that the Fountain of Love provides financial assistance to residents in a Methodist Home whose own funds run out. The assistance is given in a manner that is discrete and private. Only a few staff members know who is receiving assistance.
“I had worked for a foundation, so memorial and honorariums were near and dear to my heart,” Carol recounted. “On special occasions or when someone passes away here, that’s the fund that I give to. I think it’s just wonderful.”
While Carol and Tommie may never need the financial assistance offered by the Fountain of Love, for those who do, it is a lifeline.
Last year the Fountain of Love provided more than $822,000 in support to Methodist Homes residents because of the generosity of people like you. Vulnerable senior adults need your help. Please support the Fountain of Love so that together we can continue to say, “No one has ever been asked to leave a Methodist Home due to their inability to pay.”
To order materials for an offering, click here. To find out more about offering options, including a new Fountain of Love video featuring Board member Dr. John Ed Mathison, click here. To give securely online to the Fountain of Love, click here.
Thank you for your help and support of the Fountain of Love!