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 Q&A session we did with Kay L.
Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
Yes, I was born in Idaho and grew up in Bozeman, Montana. I moved to Lynden when I was 20 and married Ivan, then lived in Lynden from then on, on the same farm.
What was your first job?
My first job was as a dental assistant when I was 18 in Bozeman, Montana.
What other types of work did you do before retiring?
I was a stay-at-home mom at the farm. We had three daughters: Leslie, Erin and Megan. I helped feed the cows and helped Ivan with many of the farm chores. I did the canning of beans, peaches, pears, pickles and applesauce. I really loved doing the canning.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
I got to see my girls grow up and teach them all the things about the work of the farm. We did everything as a family. We had cows and raised hay for feed, and we also had a large vegetable garden.
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
I’m most proud of our girls. They were good students and did well in school. And I’m very proud of the women they have become and the families they have raised. I have nine grandkids, seven great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson. The boys are outnumbered! [Said with a laugh.]
What is the hardest thing that you’ve lived through, and how did you get through it?
My husband’s death. He died January 10, 2023. He had Parkinson’s disease for 18 years. He was still okay for many years, but after we sold the farm and the animals in 2018, he got much worse. I got through it with the Lord and with a lot of support from my girls and from the grandkids.
What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
The 1960’s, because we learned how to farm, learned to live with each other, raise our children, and it was a very good time.
Who is your favorite author or musician?
I like Pat Boone, and I like most Christian music.
Do you have a favorite song, inspirational quote or bible verse?
I really like the song “How Great Thou Art”.
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
I learned to be loyal and work hard.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person?
Choose a man and love him well and forever.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you, but you wish they did?
Because I grew up in Montana, I was very good at ice skating. They would flood the tennis courts, and we would skate on it all winter.
What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
The people are helpful, friendly and kind. We were told that there was no better place to be.