Photo by Bill Stokes
By Bill Stokes
Kickass, the doorstop dog, paused with the keeper and Phyllis yesterday for a memory service for the 34 residents who have died at Vista West during the five years it has been open.
Considering a resident population of less than 200, some simple math might produce a death statistic more befitting an Infantry company in active combat. At the very least, a pessimist might conclude that Vista West is obviously a place where people go to die.
With acknowledgement of the old adage that only death and taxes are inevitable, the keeper finds some truth in the claim that Vista West is seen as a final destination. But the decision is not made for reasons of dying. It is made for reasons of living, of spending late-in-life days and years in comfort and safety, pampered by an accommodating staff, with medical help handy and surrounded by new friends who have common concerns and will tell you about them and then listen to yours.
The Vista West memorial event produced by the staff was very well done, complete with individual obits and photos. It accomplished its purpose in bringing old neighbors back for a final goodbye and a salute to their lives.
It will be the keeper’s ambition for himself and Phyllis to not be featured in any such future programs no matter how “well done” they might be: there’s Vista West LIVING to be done
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