The community room at The Hartford was completely filled with residents, friends, family and staff to celebrate the launch of resident Laurel Richardson’s recently published memoir, Falling Into A Good Life. While the book recounts Laurel’s devastating fall, near-death experience and lengthy rehabilitation, the second 100 pages is focused on what happened next … finding a renewed sense of joy, friendship and belonging at The Hartford.
After completing extensive rehabilitation, Laurel moved to The Hartford unsure of what this next chapter of life would look like. In her memoir, she describes being welcomed from the moment she walked through the doors with warmth, kindness and genuine care. She writes about the friendships she quickly formed with fellow residents, relationships that helped restore her confidence and allowed her to live authentically and independently again.
Throughout the celebration, many of those friends played an active role in the event, a reflection of the close-knit community Laurel writes about throughout the book. Passages highlighted her appreciation for everyday life at The Hartford from conversations with neighbors and community activities to her relationship with Paige, the property manager, and even her admiration for the community chef.
This was a celebration of the people and community Laurel credits with helping her rediscover her “good life.” Laurel shared excerpts from the book and signed copies afterward. She donated the money from all books purchased during the event to The Hartford staff as an extra thank you for their compassion, support and care.
At 90 years old, Laurel says Falling Into A Good Life will be her 14th, and final published book, leaving behind not only a remarkable literary legacy, but also a powerful reminder of the impact community can have at every stage of life.
