The Right Place at the Right Time
On a beautiful Saturday in September, over 145 runners and walkers, including Masonic Village at Elizabethtown residents, employees and others, took part in the Harvest Hustle, a three-mile run/walk, on the 1,400-acre campus.
The biggest winner of the day was resident Maureen Jackson, who placed second to last. Having broken her femur five months prior, the woman who was used to walking 15,000 steps a day had something beyond earning a first-place trophy to prove to herself. Thanks to staff at Masonic Village, she was victorious.
Maureen and her husband, Brother Bruce H. Jackson, P.M., Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, have lived at Masonic Village for five years. According to Maureen, it’s the best place to be if you’re faced with an injury or illness.
Bruce’s parents also lived at Masonic Village. His father was a Mason, and his mother belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star for 50 years. He followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the fraternity 25 years ago. He’s active with several appendant Masonic bodies and volunteers with the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Lancaster.
“I enjoy the relationship-building and meeting people of all walks of life,” Bruce said. “It’s a true worldwide fraternity, as well as a benevolent organization.”
The Road to Recovery
Before heading into work as an in-home caregiver for Masonic Village Home Care, Maureen was used to starting her day early with a walk with Marzipan, her energetic rescue dog. One April morning, she turned to put the leash on Marz, when her leg bone snapped just below her hip.
As she lay in agony, Bruce called 911 and the Masonic Village operator. Security staff arrived at their cottage within minutes, followed by an ambulance.
Maureen was taken to the hospital and was in surgery the same day. She remained in the hospital for five days before returning to the Masonic Health Care Center’s Transitional Care Unit (TCU) for rehabilitation.
“It was the greatest experience,” Maureen said. “Masonic Village is a wonderful place. It’s a one-stop shop, and staff set up everything for me.
“After the TCU, Masonic Village Home Health came to my house for occupational therapy, and then I went to the outpatient rehab clinic on campus.
“I was determined to do things by myself again, and they helped me learn how. All the staff in the [Masonic] health care center are amazing.”
As part of her recovery, Maureen also worked with Baird Wellness Center staff. She was able to stop using a walker after just a few weeks. Her next goal is to no longer need a cane.
“Everyone there is so supportive,” she said of the wellness center. “They have helped me through this life-changing event with their positive attitudes, guidance and support. I could not have done it without them and Bruce, whose patience, compassion and being there for me 24/7 helped heal my body and soul.”
All the care and resources at Masonic Village helped put Bruce’s mind at ease. Instead of worrying about coordinating Maureen’s care or handling housework, he focused on sharing all the emails and calls they received from family and friends wishing her well.
In June, Maureen saw a flyer promoting the Harvest Hustle.
“I said to myself, ‘I’m going to do this,’” she recalls. “I’ve never done a race before, but I’ve always been active. I’m not one to sit and do nothing. You can’t feel sorry for yourself.”
Five months after her injury, Maureen drove herself to the starting line of the race on Sept. 27. With the support of staff and neighbors, she completed the course.
“Everyone was cheering for me and jumping up and down,” she said. “It was so nice.”
Maureen is back to walking her dog each morning and attends chair yoga and other fitness classes.
Before her injury and getting to know the health care, rehabilitation and wellness staff, Bruce and Maureen already knew Masonic Village was a gem, and not just for its beautiful grounds.
“I want to praise all the Masonic Village staff – housekeeping, maintenance, landscaping, security, everyone – for all they do for us,” she said. “It is always done with a pleasant smile. They all go beyond the extra mile for us. If someone can’t fix something or answer your question, they find a way and get it done.”
“If you have a need, you’ll find it fulfilled here,” Bruce said. “Masonic Village operates on a different level. People aren’t just friendly, they’re thoughtful and courteous. There’s no place like this.”
