Everyone has unique experiences in life. Each person has a story to tell and words of wisdom that can be shared with others. With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to some of the wonderful people who live here at CHCC. Here is a recent resident spotlight interview we did with Tena.
Q: Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
A: I lived in Holland with my parents and four siblings until I married, then my husband and I immigrated to Southern California, where his brother lived. He sponsored us so we could move to America. We started our family in California and lived there for eight years before moving to Lynden. Since immigrating, I have gone back to Holland many times to visit family, including my mother and siblings.
Q: What industry did you retire from?
A: I raised five children (two live in Whatcom County now), and I cleaned motor homes for the brother of a resident who lives at CHCC now. My husband milked cows for local farmers.
Q: How was your life in Holland different?
A: In Holland, we had smaller shops; everything is bigger in America. The people and the food are different here.
Q: If you could have any type of food right now, what would it be?
A: Pea soup. I would always make a big pan of it.
Q: What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
A: Being a good wife and raising five children.
Q: What is one thing you did or experienced that was scary?
A: Living in Holland during the war was a scary time. Immigrating and not knowing anyone in America was scary, too. We had to make new friends, go to a new church, etc.
Q: What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
A: My favorite time was living in California and starting our family.
Q: What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
A: My parents taught me to always be honest.
Q: What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person?
A: They know everything today. (Said with a smile.)
Q: What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
A: The flowers in the courtyard remind me of all the flowers in Holland. There were big tulip fields, and people would go to and look at the flowers. I love coming out to sit in the sun here, and I have met a lot of friends here.