In 2012, after my grandmother fell one too many times despite in-home care, our family made the decision to move her into an assisted-living community. We believed she no longer had the physical capability to live safely at home.
That evening, as we navigated this new world thrust upon us, we were approached by Joe and Bella, two other new residents. With a touch of humor, they warmly introduced themselves and offered a helping hand. Joe and Bella were widowed Holocaust survivors who found each other later in life. Their families made the same decision ours did: they needed more care than what could be safely provided at home.
Two weeks later, we moved my grandfather, who was living with Parkinson's, into the same community. He and my grandmother were reunited, but shaken from the unexpected turn their lives had taken after 60 years in their own home.
Joe and Bella were there again when my grandfather moved in, offering reassuring smiles and plenty of advice. From that day on, and for the many months that followed, Joe and Bella ate every meal with my grandparents.
Joe and Bella made such a wonderful, positive difference in our lives.
They quickly became part of our family, joining us for holidays and special occasions. We fell in love with our adopted grandparents.
We’re proud to honor their legacy and impact on our family by naming Joe & Bella after them. We hope you’ll find Joe & Bella to be helpful to you and your loved ones, too.
- Jimmy Zollo
