Toni, a lively resident at Symphony Tri-Cities Assisted Living, often reminisces about the special times she shared with her l ate husband, John, who passed away earlier this year.
Among her fondest memories are the countless trips they made together to various casinos across Michigan. “Oh, we’d visit so many different casinos,” Toni recalled with a smile during a conversation with the Symphony staff. “We even went on an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas a few years back and had such a wonderful time.”
As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with nostalgia, especially when she recalled their contrasting approaches to gambling. “I have to admit,” she chuckled, “I was always more of a gambler than John. He’d get one quarter, play one single slot, and call it a day. But me? I’d spend hours at the machines, determined to keep going. He’d always complain that he never won, and I’d just shake my head, laughing, while I kept pulling the levers.” Her laughter echoed the fond memories of those carefree times.
Moved by Toni’s heartfelt recollections, the Symphony staff felt privileged to be entrusted with her stories and inspired to help her relive those joyful moments she cherished with John. They decided to surprise her with a special outing—a chance to visit the casino once more, not just to gamble but to reconnect with the happy times she and John had shared.
Thanks to Symphony’s Dream Maker Program, Toni, along with two of her close friends from Symphony, Doris and Barb, set off for an exciting adventure at Saganing Eagles Landing Casino. The air was filled with excitement as the trio made their way to the casino, brimming with anticipation.
As the trip unfolded, the laughter and camaraderie between the ladies grew contagious. Toni, ever the seasoned gambler, took her place at the slot machines with a mix of nostalgia and determination. In true Toni fashion, she ended up being the big winner of the day! Her friends cheered her on, and the staff watched with pride, knowing they had helped her relive a piece of her beautiful past.
It was more than just a fun outing, it was a chance for Toni to honor her memories of John and create new ones, all while surrounded by friends who shared in her joy. With a heart full of happiness and a pocket full of winnings, Toni returned home, knowing she had truly hit the jackpot.
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