RICHLAND, Wash. – Two residents at Brookdale Senior Living in Richland have found an unexpected bond through shared past experiences.
Judy Alder, 77, has lived at Brookdale for nearly seven years due to health issues. “I was having a hard time taking care of myself. I’d had some surgeries,” she said. Judy was married for over 30 years, living in Texas and then Oklahoma, until her husband passed away 27 years ago. Her only son died five years later.
Recently, Judy met Steven Eizenberg, a 74-year-old Air Force veteran who shares her pain and interests. “We just had so much in common. We both have a lot of pain. And we enjoy going out and eating and I go with him to his club meetings,” she said.
Steven moved to Washington in 1989 for a job that didn’t work out. He was married for about 10 years, but his wife is now in a mental hospital after attempting to harm him twice. Despite his struggles, Steven found comfort in Judy’s companionship.
“When I met Steve and we really start really talking, Yeah, I fell in love with him,” Judy said. After some persistence from Steven, she agreed to marry him. Brookdale recently held a wedding for the couple, surrounded by fellow residents, staff, and loved ones.
Judy and Steven’s story is a reminder of the power of love, even in later years.”When you get to this age and you find love, you need to get together because you never know when you’re not going to be here. We’re going to enjoy the time we have,” they shared.