From their very first meeting, Toya and Billy formed an effortless connection built on laughter, storytelling, and shared experiences. Billy, a former sales engineer with a storied past—including working the White House switchboard under President Eisenhower—quickly opened up to Toya in ways that even surprised the staff at Lutheran Haven. Originally from New Jersey, Billy was senior class president before attending Rutgers University. He has a sharp wit, a love for poker, and a goal to live to 100.
Over time, their conversations grew deeper. Billy spoke affectionately about his late wife, Carole, recalling how she "settled him down" and shaped his life. He also took great pride in his family, often mentioning his daughter, Dr. Nan, and reminiscing about his role as a father and grandfather. In return, Toya shared stories from her life, offering Billy a glimpse into her childhood, family, and even the meaning behind her tattoos.
During one of their visits, they flipped through Billy's old photo albums, reminiscing over memories captured in time. Wanting to bring Billy into her world, Toya shared pictures of her own family—her mom, dad, sister, and boyfriend, Alex. To make things even more personal, they video-called Alex, and Billy was thrilled to finally “meet” him, even joking that Alex was a lucky guy.
Beyond their conversations, they found joy in simple moments—watching Oliver Twist together, a film that resonated deeply with Billy, as he too grew up as an orphan. He chuckled at parts of the film, recognizing glimpses of his own journey in Oliver’s story. They also spent time in Billy’s favorite outdoor spot, where he loves to sunbathe—though he made sure to warn Toya that he has to be careful not to get too much sun!
Toya’s visits to Lutheran Haven became even more special when she interviewed for a position as an Activities Assistant. Billy was thrilled for her and excited about the possibility of her becoming an even bigger part of the community.
Whether swapping stories, sharing new experiences, or simply enjoying each other's company, Billy and Toya have built a friendship filled with warmth, humor, and a deep mutual appreciation. With each visit, their bond grows stronger, and we can’t wait to see what new memories they’ll create next!
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