Mothers of Bethesda: Mary and Antoinette

It’s Mother’s Day and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by learning about a couple of our Mothers of Bethesda. Mary has lived at Village North Retirement Community for eight years and loves spending her days with her favorite fellow resident – her daughter Antoinette!

How would you describe your Mom’s parenting style?

Antoinette: It was good. My Dad was the firm one, so she let us get our way most of the time.

What is one of your favorite things about your Mom? 

A: She’s just thoughtful and listens to you. She might not get it right when she listens, but she’ll listen to you!

What is one of your favorite things about your daughter? 

Mary: She is just a nice person. I’d visit her all the time and help her keep her house straight. We had fun together.

What do you like to do together?

A: We go out and eat. We try to go to different places. We just like to do that kind of stuff and go shopping.

Do you have a favorite memory of something you did together?

A: Go to our family reunions. Sometimes we’d host it, sometimes it’s hosted in Chicago, sometimes it’s hosted in Indianapolis. It’s really big, the whole family.

Is there anything you learned from your Mom that you’ve used in your own parenting?

A: You just have to be patient. Listen to your sons or your daughters. Just give them the best outcome you can.

Do you have any advice for young parents?

A: Well, today’s kids are different from us. You have to be an open listener to what they say and just try to guide them in the best way.

M: And that is hard to do!

And when asked about their life at Village North…

A: The transportation. That’s my #1.

M: Everything we get here is [included] in our rent so we don’t have to pay extra. We just pay our rent, and we get our food, electric and all of that.

Read more resident stories on our blog!