Resident Spotlight: Barb & Susu

A Friendship Formed at Canterfield

In our last article, we talked about the joy and happiness that comes from moving into a senior living community. We mentioned two women at Canterfield of Fort Myers who found great friendship in each other. Today, we’d like to share their story.

Barbara has been a resident of Canterfield of Fort Myers since December of 2021 and Susan, who likes to be called “Susu,” has been a resident since December of 2022. Both ladies are exquisite artists that had lost their prior art capabilities, but are learning to create art as they know it now. Haley, the Marketing Director, sat down with both ladies to discuss their friendship blossoming at Canterfield and what it means to them.

Left to Right: Susu, Activity Director’s son, and Barb

Barb and Susu sitting across from each other at Arts & Crafts

*An interview note: Susu and Barb have medical issues that disable them from speaking clearly. We have cleaned up their language in order to share their story.*

How has moving into a senior living facility improved your life?

Susu: I had a stroke, or what they think was a stroke. Living here helps me be able to live with peace of mind and comfort.

Barb: I lived in Oregon very happily on my own, but my kids moved me down to Florida to be closer to them. They did this after I had open heart surgery and a machine had gone wrong.

Both ladies have care needs that exceeded their families capabilities. Moving them into senior living was in their best interest. Barbara has been very reluctant and harsh on the concept of senior living, whereas Susu has been the light of Canterfield. Often times at resident council meetings, amidst complaints and suggestions, Susu will raise her hand and give a broken and shaky compliment that fills the room with warmth. These friends are polar opposites, but their friendship has allowed each of them to have a fuller picture of life.

How has meeting each other improved your life?

Barb: Our friendship has been of value, even our families love one another.

Susu: Oh my goodness, its just a blessing to be with this gal!

The pair compliment each other perfectly. Susu brings Barb happiness; Barb gives Susu comfort and support. Susu talks Barb down, while Barb speaks up for Susu. Susu has pain that she doesn’t like to show, but she confides in Barbara about it. Barb has said she does the same. Before this interview, Haley found the ladies discussing these questions in the lobby. Susu was in major pain and Barb refused to leave her side until it passed.

Could you give us a background about why you two were initially drawn to each other? What similarities do you have? Have you found comfort in one another?

Barb: We are both artists.

Susu: I liked her sculpture.

Barb: I gave it to her. (They both smiled and looked at each other as they reminisced on their first encounter.)

Barb and Susu: Some similarities are art, pets, studying history, and we care for people.

Barb: It is important our pets are here, or we wouldn’t be!

Susu: Yes, we love Cookie (Barb’s dog).

Barb: Susu will come over to watch TV and play with Cookie. Susu will be sprawled out on my bed, asleep and cuddled up with Cookie before we know it.!

Haley usually intervenes in starting friendships between residents, but this one came about on its own. Their passion for art and their frustration of losing their skills bonded them. They sit side-by-side in watercolor workshops, trying their best to recreate the teacher’s work.  They are both wonderfully independent, intelligent, and genuine women who had a hard time coming to terms with their life path. By finding each other, they are able to laugh through their hardships and make the most out of their senior living experience.

What are our favorite things to do together?

Barb: My favorite thing is every Sunday my daughter brings us food and we all hang out, eat, and enjoy each other’s company.

Susu: My favorite thing to do is watch TV in Barb’s room with Cookie.

Barb: We watch TV, play with Cookie, and eat together.

What are your favorite things to do at Canterfield?

Barb: Just being together.

Susu: I certainly love her.