Phyllis Sheerin Ross is full of gratitude for the big and small beauty each day has to offer, like watching the sun rise with a steaming hot cup of coffee, surprise calls from friends, spending time with her family, and relaxing at home while listening to her favorite tunes that can range anywhere from a violin concerto to old time rock and roll.

When reflecting on the favorite year of her life, Phyllis recalls 1961 and her first real job as a Correspondent for Book of the Month Club in New York City. Even though the job had its share of learning curves, Phyllis thinks back to her first apartment in Greenwich Village – a converted hotel room with only a hot plate to cook on – with pride as it was a symbol of independence and an exciting time to grow and thrive in adulthood. She recounts getting her morning bagel and being so happy that she could tip the server, as well as making forever friends in the Village, including her future husband, Earl.

Though long past that New York rush era in her life, through Family & Nursing Care, Phyllis is able to maintain her independence with the support of a Caregiver who provides companionship to admire today’s joys, re-live fond memories, and lean on in tougher times. When Phyllis first met her Caregiver, Selam, her beloved cat Bugsy was feeling a bit shy. He hid under the bed, and it took some sweet talking and crunchy cat treats to get him out of his shell. Now that initial reticence feels like a distant memory. Bugsy is like a teenager in love when it comes to Selam, constantly nuzzling up to her and purring. Phyllis sees her Caregiver as a vital part of her family now and the trio continues to make so many new memories together.

As we head into 2024, Phyllis says her only resolution this year is to abide by John Wesley’s (1707-1791) “Rule of Conduct”:

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.