Elmer Kruse, a resident at Terrace View Gardens in Cincinnati, never had a birthday party for himself. That changed this year after staff members threw him a 100th birthday celebration — and one to remember.
Terrace View held a socially distant party for the World War II veteran in late September. Staff members gathered outdoors with decorations and cake to honor the milestone. Kruse could be seen smiling from ear to ear throughout the event.
“It’s a little bit different during the COVID time,” Terrace View Gardens Administrator Sandy Campbell said. “We’d love to have a big bash for him, but we’re doing everything we can to be safe.”
Campbell explained that Kruse, who’s been a resident at the facility for about two years, told staff members he’s never really celebrated his birthday because of his religion.
Over his lifetime, he has enjoyed many memorable experiences: He was stationed in Europe while in the Army. He got married. He saw his first baseball game in 1927.
Through it all, he says he’s learned to live and cherish each and every moment.
“I don’t know why I’m 100,” he said after being asked what’s the secret to a long life. “I keep plugging along.
“I feel pretty good.”
From the November 2020 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
