THE REST OF THE STORY

Josephine Sunset Home - the rest of the story by President Jim Jonson

This week, our meeting will take a little twist as we meet at Josephine Sunset Home and honor this fine institution for its 100 years of service.  I have my own history with Josephine, which I will refer to as JSH for those of you who are new to our community.  You see, if it wasn't for JSH, I would not be President of the Stanwood Camano Rotary Club. 

It all began in the summer of 1962. The Bellingham shipyards closed so my dad was unemployed.  He had taken my brother to Camp Lutherwood on Lake Samish and while my brother was checking into camp, my dad was talking with some of the other parents. As the parents talked, my dad mentioned of his recent unemployment and was told about an opening at JSH for a handyman. The following day he called to inquire about the opening, was asked to come down for an interview, and was promptly hired for the position. Shortly after, the Jonson family moved to Stanwood. It wasn't long before my mom was hired as a receptionist.  My mom and dad worked at JSH until their retirement around 1972.  Years later, my mom was a resident of JSH, first in the boarding section and later in the skilled nursing section until she passed away. 

Over the years, I have spent countless hours at Josephine Sunset Home, first as a boy where I followed my dad around as he did some of his chores on the weekends.  Later as an adult, I witnessed the loving care that they gave my mom and other aging residents.  As a community, we are very fortunate to have them here.  It seems only fitting that their administrator, Terry Robertson, is a member of our club.  After all, our motto of "service above self" is something that he lives every day.  

Jim