STORIES OF RESILIENCE
One definition of resilience is, “the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” The guests in the community of Room in the Inn are the living examples of this capacity to endure whatever comes their way. They endure hardship and disappointments that would discourage anyone, and still their strength and faith helps them to persevere. They touch the lives of everyone that has the good fortune to know them. I hope that you are encouraged as much as I am by their stories.
Peace,
Lisa Anderson, Executive Director
MEET RICK TAYLOR
Pictured above, former RITI guest Rick Taylor with his stepson and RITI Staff.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Rick Taylor served in the United States Air Force in the 1960’s.
After serving in the military, he came back to Memphis and attended Memphis Theological Seminary and then served as a pastor for St. Stephen’s Baptist Church and Moody Chapel for a number of years.
Mr. Taylor was living in a retirement facility for a while, but it ultimately led to him living in his car for 3 months. His step-son, Elton Banks found him in that situation and took him to the VA Hospital. After giving Mr. Taylor care, the VA medical staff sent a referral to RITI’s Recuperative Care Center, as Mr. Taylor still needed to do physical therapy to gain strength.
Mr. Taylor came to RITI in a wheelchair, but with resilience, support, and completing his physical therapy once a week, he was able to leave on his feet. While at Room in the Inn, Mr. Taylor was ready to get his SSI benefit letter and was adamant to always pay for his own medications.
RCC Guest Advocate, Bryant, connected with the Alpha Omega Veteran retirement apartments, and earlier this month Mr. Taylor moved into an apartment of his very own.
During his stay with us, he loved chatting with his fellow RCC guests and watching war movies to compare with his time in the service. We will miss his sense of humor in our halls, and we are glad to know he is living well on his own!