Residents Meet, Get Married at Indiana Assisted Living Community

It was September 2022, when Dorthy “Dottie” Johnson arrived at Silver Birch Living. The transition from her home to the assisted living community was challenging as she navigated the big change in her life.

“At first, it was hard, but I knew God had a plan for why I was here,” she said.

With tips from the Silver Birch team, Dottie started to quickly settle into her new studio apartment. She began exploring the community’s campus, grabbing homemade lunch in the cafeteria and even joining in some midday activities.

Thanks to the encouragement from the team to enjoy the common spaces and get to know other residents, Dottie started to spend time outside in the popular gazebo area, near the walking paths and vegetable garden.

That’s when she met resident Cloyd “Sonny” Flower

Sonny is known for his sense of humor, but that’s only if you can convince him to speak up. He’s hard of hearing, so it can be difficult for him to join conversations. As Dottie put it, he always had something to say, even though he’s a quiet man.

“He would always go outside and sit by himself. He didn’t talk much at all, but I brought him out of that box,” she said. “I wanted to see him smile more.”

Then Dottie was surprised when one day out on the patio Sonny said to her, “I love you,” only a few weeks after they met.

“I asked him, how can you love someone you barely know?” she replied.

Sonny reply was simple. “My heart pitter-pattered the first day I saw you walk through the door,” he replied gently.

After conversations about life over a few months, Sonny handed Dottie a dozen roses outside on the patio where their relationship bloomed in the garden.

“That’s when he proposed and asked me to marry him,” she said.

When it came to the wedding day, Dottie was nervous, but in a good way. She planned the entire wedding with the support of the Silver Birch team, Sonny and her family.

That morning, she decorated the space, styled her hair and then dawned her wedding dress for the big ceremony.

Her mom, Donna, as well as friends from the community, joined Sonny and Dottie for their wedding ceremony and reception in July 2023 at the Silver Birch location in Terre Haute.

Since, Dottie and Sonny have started a new chapter in their life together, now as a family and as part of the Silver Birch Living family.