Creston Village community celebrates arrival of first child for staff member
About 75 residents and staff attended the dining room event
– Staff and residents at Creston Village Assisted Living & Memory Care hosted a baby shower for dining server Maria Barrera, who welcomed her first child, Ezra, on Aug. 11.
The event was held in the community’s dining room and brought together about 75 residents and staff members. Barrera received items including wipes, toys and enough diapers to last through her newborn’s first few months.
Executive Director Adam Bramwell emceed the celebration. He noted that women in the room had collectively raised 115 children and encouraged them to share parenting advice.
“We counted 115 kids raised by women of all ages in that room,” Bramwell said. “So I figured Maria had landed in the right place for parenting tips.”
Residents offered advice and stories, including from Joyce, 85, who has recently begun experiencing memory challenges.
“Kids say the cutest things. My advice is to always write them down. Because in the moment, you think you’ll remember them forever. But you won’t,” Joyce said.
Barrera left with gifts, stories and support from residents and staff she referred to as unofficial grandparents.
Bramwell closed the event by establishing one rule.
“I get to hold him first when he comes to visit Mom’s workplace,” he said. “Them’s the rules.”
Ezra was born weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces.
