Home away from home at Hope Residence
When Ann Zimansky talks about her brother, John Harmening, it’s easy to tell she misses having him close.
“When it comes to my little brother, he’s so special to me and our family,” Ann said. “John’s a happy guy and he loves his Savior. We know he is Jesus’ little lamb.”
In November 2011, Ann (pictured on the right with John) moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., with her husband. Within a year, on October 31, 2012, John moved to Hope Residence in Belle Plaine.
Despite periodic visits, Ann dislikes living far away, especially as John struggles with worsening Alzheimer’s. She was looking forward to a three-week visit to see him this summer, and after some special arrangements, she was able to spend her entire stay at Hope.
“It’s not something we typically do, but that way Ann was able to spend most days with her brother,” said Debra Wilbright, Administrator at Hope.
“I’m just so glad I got to stay in that little apartment,” Ann said.
Having John down the hall was just like old times. Ann, who is four years older than John, has been his legal guardian since 1995, when his mother was no longer able to care for him. She has many fond memories of days when she lived closer and could invite John over to stay.
“Years ago he used to come to my apartment to stay overnight and I’d make breakfast and we’d go to church together and out to eat,” Ann said. “And sometimes I’d take him to Jackpot Junction Casino and we’d have fun together.”
At Hope, the pair reconnected over the little details of daily life — playing Bingo, taking in a Twins baseball game and waiting in line for the snack cart together. They ate at Dairy Queen and Subway. One day, they picked up a meal at McDonalds and took it to the park.
“That was so nice, just him and me,” Ann said.
And each Sunday for three weeks, Ann wheeled John to church. John was confirmed in 1978 at Bethesda Lutheran Home in Watertown, Wis., and has always cherished his faith, Ann said.
Even as his Alzheimer’s progresses and life changes, “he’s still the same John. He’s just the same sweetheart,” Ann said. And he still recognizes her and the rest of his family.
While she wishes she were able to be by John’s side more often, Ann appreciates having others who care deeply for him.
“The love, joy and acceptance that I saw and felt at Hope is just inexpressible,” Ann said. “Truly God’s love is at work in all of you. Our family is so very happy that our John is a resident there at Hope! We thank you for all you do — for the care he and the rest receive while there.”