For more than 30 years, I worked as a CNA.
I spent my career caring for others and always tried to treat every resident the way I would want my own family to be treated. I believed that kindness matters, compassion matters, and dignity matters.
What I never expected was that one day I would be the one needing that same care.
When I came to Bella Terra La Grange, I couldn’t walk. I wasn’t able to move the way I wanted to, and I needed more help than I had ever needed before. It was a difficult transition for someone who had spent her life taking care of other people.
But from the moment I arrived, I knew I was in good hands.
One of the first people I met was Angie, the administrator. She looked at me and said, “We’re going to take good care of you.”
And she kept her word.
As therapy began, I started achieving goals that once felt impossible. I learned how to reposition myself in bed, move my legs from side to side, perform more of my personal care independently, and manage tasks that I couldn’t do when I first arrived.
Most importantly, I regained hope.
With the help of the therapy team, I even took a step for the first time in six months.
I was terrified. Ava and Sebastian encouraged me, supported me, and cleverly distracted me from my fears long enough to help me take that first step. Before I knew it, I had done something I hadn’t believed was possible.
That moment changed everything.
The staff throughout the building became like family to me. TJ, Kim, Jill, Daniel, Anna, Christina, JoJo, Tanisha, Barbara, Kathy, Veronica, Sarah, Ava, Sebastian, Dr. Penmecha, and so many others all played a role in my recovery.
What touched me most was that their kindness went far beyond their job descriptions.
Veronica would bring me yogurt when I asked for it, and on my last day, she surprised me with a bouquet of roses. Kathy would stop by just to check on me and make me laugh. Joe would sit down and talk with me. Barbara pushed me when I needed it most—even on days when I thought I couldn’t do any more. Looking back, those moments of encouragement helped me grow stronger.
As someone who worked in healthcare for decades, I recognized something special at Bella Terra La Grange.
The staff didn’t just provide care. They cared.
They listened when I was struggling. They respected my independence. They honored my wishes when I needed to slow down. They encouraged me when I needed confidence. And they never stopped believing in what I could accomplish.
Every day, I looked forward to the smiles, conversations, and connections with the people around me. They made my stay feel less like rehabilitation and more like being surrounded by people who genuinely wanted to see me succeed.
I am a woman of faith, and I truly believe that the kindness we give to others comes back to us. During my time at Bella Terra La Grange, I experienced that firsthand.
If someone asked me whether I would recommend Bella Terra La Grange, my answer would be absolutely yes. They helped me regain my independence, restored my confidence, and reminded me what compassionate care truly looks like.