The very first thing to notice about Elmer B. is his smile. His endlessly arcing, genuine and broad smile which he beams toward all he meets. He is not necessarily a Pollyanna, but he is upbeat, and with 104 years of life under his belt he has learned that a smile can make all the difference.
Mr. B began with At Home Senior Care when it was determined by his family that he needed extra support while recovering from a urinary tract infection. His smile was warm even then, but now with the infection cleared, his outgoing personality thoroughly shines each time a caregiver arrives to help with meal and medication preparations.
He was born in Southern Vermont; a leap year baby, thus beginning an extraordinary life few can imagine. As he grew, Elmer spent much of his time at his grandmother's house who watched him regularly until he came of school age. Vermont state law mandates that a child be five years old before starting kindergarten, so due to his unique birth date, Elmer could not enter school legally until he was nine years old. It was a long time to wait. His mother and grandmother were questioned regularly by curious townsfolk as to why such a grown child was not yet in school: he vividly remembers how they unsuccessfully tried to explain his situation.
Elmer made the most of his childhood years by helping with chores both within his household and in his town. He proved to be a hard worker, dedicated and tempered. His work ethic created during those years remains to this day. Elmer explains that "the secret to living well is in working hard and helping other people." He flashes that smile and delivers the punchline, "but work smarter, not harder." When asked to expand on this, he tells the story of a Model T in a snowy Bennington woodlot.
On a wintry day of old, Elmer got into a conversation with a neighbor regarding the chap’s desire to pick up a load of firewood from a woodlot five miles away. A large amount of snow had fallen, and the neighbor had only his team of horses to use in navigating to the lot. Elmer saw a better way. For a modest price, he offered to fire up his family's Model T Ford and drive the neighbor back and forth to the woodlot, collecting the needed firewood. Elmer knew that in this situation the car would be able to navigate the forest path better than the horses. He also knew that there was a spring at the woodlot where he could draw water out as needed for the Model T's engine. They struck a mutually favorable deal.
Elmer worked in town at the H.T. Cushman Furniture Company for a gratifying sixty-five years. His house, previously owned by the Park-McCullough family, is filled with pieces he created and brought home over time. Each furniture piece has its own delightful story attached to it, just as the house itself-purchased with a dollar and a handshake- does. All tales that easily reveal, with or without a leap year birthday date, Elmer B. is someone special in this world.
Do you know of a senior who deserves a moment in the spotlight (hint: they all do)? At Home Senior Care’s “Senior Spotlight” page is an ongoing project to highlight the life and contributions of our area’s seniors. Contact tweikert@athomeseniors.net for more information.
