Betty’s Story
August 30, 2023
Above, Betty, also known as Roxie, celebrates her baptism with Reverend Arlen Solem.
A resident of Emerald Crest is baptized following the welcome she received in our spiritual community
When Betty moved into Emerald Crest, she was very self-conscious about some of the symptoms of her Parkinson’s. Betty experienced some involuntary movements of her arms, head and upper body, and she worried that people would stare or make comments. As a result, Betty could sometimes be reclusive or try to stay in the background at group activities.
Slowly, Betty began participating, and as her comfort developed, she was happy to sit near the front and actively participate in groups and activities.
Betty recently shared with us that she had never been baptized and that she wanted to be baptized at one of the weekly worship services. Betty’s children had all been baptized and for most of her life they all had been involved participants in their shared faith. I asked Betty what made her so interested in baptism now, and at Emerald Crest. Among other things, Betty said that she experienced such a welcome feeling in the Emerald Crest spiritual community.
Betty’s Baptism
After several weeks, Betty’s daughters participated in a worship service and on that day, Betty was baptized. At her baptism, we thanked the whole community and the whole church, as they were integral in Betty’s desire to take this next step in her faith journey.
Betty is now able to be whole, through the waters of baptism. Betty is now comfortable accepting her whole self without fear of her disease, or how it might make others feel about her. Her brokenness is no longer at the forefront. Being a precious Child of God is now first and foremost.
Reverend Arlen Solem
Chaplain and Campus Pastor
In gratitude, thank you so much to all of our volunteers and donors who make all of the work we do at Cassia possible. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and needed to ensure we are able to fulfill our mission.
For questions about our spiritual care program, or if you would like spiritual care and support for you or your loved one, contact Chaplain Arlen Solem at 612-263-0503. or Arlen.Solem@cassialife.org.
At Emerald Crest, we offer a deep knowledge of memory care in a specialized assisted living setting for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related conditions. We encourage you to contact us directly with any questions or request a tour. For tours and general information, please contact Elizabeth Wendel at 952-908-2215.
Emerald Crest by Cassia provides memory care in a unique environment, specifically designed to support those with cognitive issues. Utilizing this exceptional model of care, individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s and related conditions can flourish in positive relationships and participation in meaningful activities. Memory care is offered in the Minneapolis – Saint Paul area with communities in four convenient locations: Shakopee, Burnsville, Minnetonka and Victoria, MN.
