Now and then, someone will ask me how Ron and Don and doing. "I haven't seen them around for a while." If you are new to town, Ron and Don Christensen, twins, for years walked the streets of Big Sandy collecting everyone's pop cans and visiting all the town down businesses. They are 74 years old and have a difficult time getting around, especially Don, who's had a few falls and a broken bone. But they still see themselves at home. They don't ever want to move. "No way!" I asked if I could take a picture, and Donald said, "No, I've taken enough pictures." I laughed and agreed with him, but Lenore Marx talked them into it.
Lenore Marx still supervises their lives while making sure they have adequate supervision on outings. There are always some Big Sandy Activities staff close by, listening and supporting them now, making them meals, and monitoring them to make sure they are safe.
They moved to Big Sandy when they were 46 years old and lived at the Sandy Convalescent Home for a few years before moving in with Earl and Lenore Marx for three years, where she taught them living skills so they could live on their own. They have lived on their own for 39 years with the help of support staff. They've had a good life. They live in a good community.
Ron and Don are still enjoying life in their own home. They don't get out and walk as much anymore, but they still love to eat out! The problem with COVID-19, is for the longest time they had to eat in their own home, which they didn't like. Don still wants to eat his chicken, and Ron still wants to eat pizza. They get to eat out some, but mostly they still eat most of their meals at home. Their favorite place to eat is not an option for them currently, "We can't go there anymore."
They spend most of their time watching TV now, but their favorite show, Hawaii 5-O, was taken off the TV. They talked to me about how many people are sick and how many helicopters take sick people to the hospital. They understand that COVID-19 is "bad."
They remain an inspiration to the town of Big Sandy as they live quiet and fulfilled lives living simply and comfortably. On the other hand, it was the people of Big Sandy that help take care of them. Had they lived anywhere else, they could not have lived such a full life.
