“Our mothers took much different roads in planning for the future,” says John. “Katey’s mom moved into Greenspring, an Erickson community in Springfield, Va. By doing that she maintained her authority over her life, yet did us all a great favor.
“My mother decided to stay in her house,” John continues, “and it was a constant worry, both for her and for us.”
The Youngs’ exposure to the Erickson lifestyle made a lasting impression.
“We see how happy my mother is. She’s active, has lots of friends, and the staff is always there whenever she needs them,” Katherine says. “With us so far away, there’s a tremendous peace that comes from just knowing people who care about her are always nearby.”
Moving for Different Reasons
The Youngs’ personal experience had already answered many of the questions people have about Erickson communities, and given them unique insights into the advantages of moving while they are still young enough to enjoy it.
“Unbelievable. That’s what I thought about the 100% Refundable Entrance Deposit when her mother first moved in,” says John. “But we’ve seen now how it works.”
So is that John’s biggest reason for moving to Highland Springs? Not really. A petrochemical engineer who traveled the world solving problems, John has a professional’s talent for fixing things around the house, but finds he no longer has the desire.
“We already downsized once to a zero lot line home, but we still own it and still have to take care of it,” says John of their current home near the Galleria.
“Our friends are all buying retirement homes, but that’s not for us,” he continues. “Some of the places have amenities and activities, but you’re still a homeowner. We are done with that.”
“My tools won’t be making the move to Highland Springs,” John beams. “I don’t want to even have to consider if the roof’s okay, the plumber shows up, or if the lawn crew is doing things right. Supervising is no longer in my job description.”
Katherine, on the other hand, has other reasons for wanting to make the move now.
“I travel for my job, and John and I love to travel together,” she says, who islooking forward to the couple’s Antarctic cruise on a converted Russian icebreaker shortly after they move in this fall.
“The location makes it easy to get to the airport. And to be able to just turn the key in the door and say ‘we’re off ’ is fantastic,” she continues. “If a pipe breaks or the roof leaks, someone else will take care of it. We can just go and have fun.”
Financial Matters
Aware of the long waiting lists that form at Erickson communities after they open, the Youngs knew the advantages of getting in on the ground floor.
“We knew that the price would never be lower than it is now, and the earlier we moved, the better chance we had of getting the floor plan we wanted,” says Katherine, “and happily, we did!
“Even though the monthly service package will clearly save us money every month, the thing I’m thinking about is how wonderful it will be not to deal with all those bills every month!” she exclaims. “It just simplifies our lives.”
Sharing Life’s Gifts
Though John has sworn off home maintenance, his engineering mind and skilled hands won’t be idle after he moves this fall.
“Highland Springs has some very specific things I am interested in, like the woodwork shop,” he says. “I have a three-foot-long model of the U.S.S. Constitution I want to finish, and I’m going to keep this one.”
John reflects on the two others he has built and given away. “I gave one to the son of a coworker in Abu Dabi. Years later I saw the father in Houston, and he said his son still treasured it. I was amazed after all those years it was still complete.”
Katherine, too, believes Highland Springs will provide her with something important to give her family.
“We know from our different experiences with our mothers that moving to Highland Springs is the greatest gift we can give ourselves, and our children,” Katherine says.
“We made the decision based on what we wanted for our lives, they won’t have to worry about making them for us,” she continues. “And the children will never have to mess with getting rid of a house and all that junk. We’ll already be downsized, and if anything were to happen to us, Highland Springs takes care of all the details on our apartment home.”
Moving Youngs
Having relocated numerous times over the years, the Youngs are well acquainted with Murphy’s Law of Moving. But they think that this one will be the easiest yet.
“When I turned 40, I had already had more addresses than I was year sold,” says Katherine. “We’re already asking the children to pick out the things they want, and between Gail’s (Wrzesinski) help and all the resources we’ll have at the Move-In Seminar, this one should be really simple.”
What Are You Waiting For?
Are you making plans to simplify your life? Then now is the time to plan your move to Highland Springs.
It’s the best time of year to put your house on the market to get the best price and quickest sale. And there are still a limited number of spacious, one- and twobedroom apartment homes available at Pre-Opening Prices that can save you up to $7,000. So what are you waiting for?
Call 972-231-9933 or 1-800-833-7610 to find out how you can join the Youngs and hundreds of others who want to simply get more out of life.