"I was enjoying my retirement, doing the necessary research, writing, and then getting it published" explained Clarewood resident K.C. Ptomey

"But then, my wife was stricken with severe memory problems. she required around-the-clock care."

"At first I tried to take care of her at home with the help of friends and home nursing care professionals, but I found out that it was more than I could handle alone"

"That's when I decided to ask my Church staff for advice. While they mentioned several possibilities, they suggested I visit Clarewood House"

"When I met the staff here at Clarewood, and toured the facilities, I knew immediately that this would be the ideal place to care for my wife."

"I moved her here into the Extended Care Unit as quickly as I could"

"I was so pleased with the care and attention she receives here that I sold my house, and moved into Clarewood's Independent Living section."

"Now I can spend as much time with my wife as I like. In fact, I usually have my noon meal with her."

"My own apartment in Independent Living is just rhe right size for me. I have my computer and a dedicated phone line so I can continue researching genealogy on the Internet"

"I have many new friends here and the Clarewood staff is outstanding! "

Ruth Gee is well known to the orchid lovers of the world. She has been honored several times by the Houston Orchid Society, of which she is a Life Member. Three orchids have been named for her, including her favorite, the big, white Cattleya. Registered in the 1970's, this special orchid received it's "First Class" certificate in 1983.

Ruth Gee will have been a resident of Clarewood House for eight years on October 1, 2001. Ruth shows her appreciation of her retirement home by participating enthusiastically in almost all of Clarewood's many activities. She also quickly volunteers whenever assistance is needed by others

Before retiring, Ruth spent ten years at Texas Children's Hospital, as secretary to Dr. Russell Blattner, their Pediatric-Physician-in-Chief.

Ruth and her husband William A. Gee, met at a flower show, and on their first date, he took her to see his greenhouse. she said the beautiful orchids suspended from the ceiling in the twilight were "almost etherial". Stewart Orchids of Carpenteria, California, who specialize in hybrids, recently created a special tribute to Ruth. Their beautiful, folded stationery cards hav the big Cattleya on the front in full color. The designation on the back readcs: C. Ruth Gee, "Diamond Jubilee" FCC/AOS

When Ruth arrived at Clarewood House, one of her first activity choices was the chorus. "I hadn't sung in abut 40 years, except in our greenhouse or walking the dog." Ruth grins. Later, a friend gave her a ukulele, and after she learned to play the instrument, she joined Clarewood's Ukulele Band and Chorus.

"My three favorite things at Clarewood are the garden, the library and the chapel. Not many retirement communities have chapels you know." She points out. Ruth also loves angels, and has them scattered throughout her apartment. But the centerpiece of her home is a beautiful, made-to-order, tiffany style chandelier in the middle of her living room ceiling, showcasing several of her favorite orchids and angels.

Ruth says, "Every day I am grateful, truly grateful for being here at Clarewood House!"

"Both of us had worked for years. Hugh retired from a long career with the United States Postal Service rising from letter carrier to Station Manager." Versie stated.

"I worked at Baylor College of Medicine as an Executive Secretary. Then I retired from Ben Taub Hospital as Director of Volunteers"

"Hugh has been diagnosed with early stage Parkinson's disease, so we also decided to retire from all the problems and expenses of home ownership."

"The Real Estate agent that sold our house gave us a packet of retirement home brochures. Clarewood House was one of them. So we made our rounds visiting the facilities and talking to their personnel."

"The things that mattered to us were first of all, the costs, then amenities, staff, and activities."

"Clarewood House was our first choice"

"The cost compared favorably with the cost of remaining in our single family dwelling. We prefer Clarewood's policy of not requiring residents to pay for meals they do not eat. We were very pleased with Clarewood's wide range of activities. We could pick and choose, or decide to do our own thing."

"We have enjoyed the facilities available to us for entertaining our friends. We have access to larger meeting rooms for larger groups...and when desirable, the food preparation can be catered from Clarewood's kitchen."

"It's also reassuring to know that we have access to nursing care if Hugh's Parkinson's disease advances and requires it." She added.

"Our parents enjoyed a very active social life in Florida. they were especially pleased with the wealth of activities Clarewood sponsors such as outside trips by bus to special events, as well as many inside activities such as bridge, dominos, and bingo. They participated in musical groups, and they made a lot of new friends."

"I enjoy the meals they serve here at Clarewood" added Mrs. Hamann. "I really liked not having to pay for meals we did not eat. And best of all, we did not have to leave the building to get to the dining room, like some of the other places we visited."

"Then, when I broke my hip, and my husband could no longer care for me, I was able to move right into Clarewood's Extended Care Center. He moved into a smaller one-bedroom apartment in the tower."

"He was able to spend as much time with me as ever. It was so convenient, because he never had to go outside in any kind of weather."

"We really appreciated the extra comfort and benefit to our parents provided by Clarewood House" added Jann Curry. "When our parents advancing age required additional services, they were immediately available without requiring a move to a different facility. This proved to be a tremendous help for our family."

"Clarewood's facilities include affordable, comfortable retirement apartments in a range of sizes, assisted living apartments for those who need occasional help with their medications and daily activities, plus a nursing center for those who need continuing care".