Stories

On a cool September morning, John walked backward gently guiding his wife Joan, forward. They have been together for over 45 years. They arrive faithfully each spring and fall for a few weeks to take in their beloved Deer Isle. They love to explore the shores of Sandbeach, frequent their favorite eateries, and watch the boats in the harbor. In recent times, Joan has suffered a health event that has made walking a struggle. She deeply wants to come again to her favorite place. He loves her deeply, so he brings her. For him, there is no difficulty too big to overcome, if it makes her happy. Given her struggles, Joan must walk each day to build her strength. In Stonington, the hills and bustling sidewalks make it too great of a challenge for her to get the walking time in. Here at the Island Community Center, we offer community walking in the gym area. The gym is perfect for what they need; it is level, spacious and dry. John & Joan stop by twice a day during their visits to walk as many times around the gym as she can handle. He tells me, "We could not have continued to come if we did not have a space to take her walking each day, thank you."