Residents and staff members gathered close, some joining hands, others wiping away tears, as they came together to honor a beloved Trinity Springs resident.
Veterans raised their hands in a solemn salute, honoring their fallen comrade with quiet reverence.
Loved ones and staff guided the Walk of Honor through the halls, every step a testament to the love and gratitude felt for their friend.
Voices united in singing “Amazing Grace” filled the lobby, the melody carrying their emotions as they said goodbye one last time.
Chaplain Chuck Tabor paused the procession to invite memories and reflections. One by one, heartfelt stories emerged—of kindness, laughter, and a life well-lived—creating a moment of grace and connection that will stay with all who were there.
This is a Walk of Honor. When any beloved Trinity Springs resident passes, they can be escorted through the community one last time in a Walk of Honor, if their loved ones so wish.
“When people come into our community as new residents, we celebrate. I suggested, ‘They came in with honor; let them go out with honor,’” Pastor Chuck says.
Moments like these are a common occurrence in Cassia communities, providing dignity and offering heartfelt reminders of the profound impact of spiritual life at Trinity Springs and beyond.
What is Spiritual Life?
“Spiritual life, for me, is meeting people where they are to help them realize that every aspect of their life has a spiritual dimension to it,” Pastor Chuck says. “I’m here to walk with them through that.”
This can take the form of individual conversations, prayer and counseling; Bible studies; prayer groups; chapel services and other programming.
Pastor Chuck makes himself available as much as possible.
“I tell residents I’m only here 20 hours a week, but I’m on call 24/7,” Pastor Chuck says. “I want them to know, in any situation they face, if they need counsel, an extra set of eyes or ears, or someone to help them think through issues, that I’m here for them and to help them.”
Pastor Chuck is ordained in the Evangelical Free Church of America and that shapes his ministry at Trinity Springs, but he also works to understand the faiths and traditions of every resident to ensure their spiritual needs are met.
Pastor Chuck strives to become a friend to all residents and encourages them to live every day to the fullest.
“Every day I walk into this building, I have one question I ask across the board: Are we having fun yet?” Pastor Chuck says. “I want them to see this day, this moment as a time to not only think positively about whatever the situation is but to realize there is an opportunity for enjoyment even in trials and tribulations.”
Dick and Yuka’s Story
As a pastor who visits residents at many senior living communities in and around The Villages, Dick Wolters made an observation: Trinity Springs is the only community that employs a chaplain.
He met Pastor Chuck while visiting congregants at Trinity Springs and the two quickly bonded. Dick’s wife Yuka, who had Alzheimer’s Disease, suffered a broken femur in 2023 and was unable to return to her senior living community because she couldn’t take verbal instructions. Pastor Chuck and the Trinity Springs staff warmly welcomed Yuka.
Dick raves about the care Yuka received until her passing in January 2024.
“I was blessed to have my wife there the last six months of her life,” Dick says. “Yuka being there was like the icing on her life’s cake.”
In that time, he and Chuck had many conversations and became fast friends.
“Chuck very often would sit down with me to ask how I was doing,” Dick says. “He was concerned about me as a caregiver, knowing my wife was nearing the end of her life. He was very supportive. He would talk to her and hold her hand. You could tell he truly loved her. He was there for me to help me as I was going through the grief of losing a loved one. I am very close to Chuck.”
Dick became a volunteer assistant chaplain to serve memory care residents while Yuka lived at Trinity Springs and continues to serve in that role. He especially enjoys leading church services.
“When I have a church service with memory care residents, it’s very informal,” Dick says. “I play hymns, say prayers, take a Bible story and make it interesting to them. We spend an hour or so together talking about Jesus, praying and singing hymns. When they hear the old hymns, they come alive.”
The Impact of Spiritual Life
Spiritual life is the foundation of Cassia’s mission, touching and enriching lives throughout every Cassia community. With a dedicated team of chaplains, guided by vice presidents of spiritual life David Juve and Julie Ryan; Cassia offers compassionate care, guidance and support to residents, families and staff alike.
This vital work, from personal counseling and prayer to community worship and spiritual programs, is made possible through your generosity. In 2024, 884 donors gave $753,280 to support spiritual life programs at Cassia communities.
Thank you for supporting spiritual life at Cassia and helping us nurture hope, faith and connection for those we serve.