Asha Shah
Jul 2026
As a Hindu, I have always believed that God lives within each person, and this community has reminded me of that every day. At this stage of life, what matters most is not the building or the amenities—it is the kindness of the people around you. I can honestly say that 99% of the staff and residents are compassionate, caring, and genuinely loving. They don’t just do their jobs—they make this place feel like home. Of course, there is the occasional person who is simply okay, but they only make me appreciate the extraordinary kindness of everyone else even more. One experience that stays with me happened around 10:00 one evening. I was on the rooftop attending my spiritual class and didn’t even know the elevator had gone out of service. I was perfectly safe, but the management realized I was upstairs, came to find me, and after my class carefully helped me down the stairs and stayed with me until I was safely back in my room. No one had asked them to do that. They simply cared enough to think ahead. That is just one example of the many quiet acts of kindness I have experienced here. The one ongoing challenge for me is the food. As a lifelong vegetarian, finding appropriate meals can be difficult. It often requires a daily conversation. I truly appreciate that the dining staff keeps trying to accommodate me. Their willingness to listen and help means a great deal, and I hope vegetarian options continue to improve. In Hinduism, we value seva—selfless service—and I see that spirit in so many people here. No community is perfect, but this one is filled with people who genuinely care. After a little over a year here, it is also starting to feel like home in a deeper way—something I am very grateful for. Every day, I feel more settled, more known, and more connected to the people around me. Every evening, I offer a prayer of gratitude—not because everything is perfect, but because I am surrounded by kindness. For that, my heart is full.
