Holladay Assisted Living Center Opens Doors To Friends, Family For Father’s Day
Jun 20, 2021, 10:37 PM | Updated: Jul 5, 2023, 1:55 pm
HOLLADAY, Utah — This Father’s Day, many families came together with an even greater appreciation for their dad’s, especially those they haven’t been able to hug in over a year.
For those who serve and live at assisted living homes, 2020 was a long, hard year.
That’s why celebrating Father’s Day at the Wellington Assisted Living Center in Holladay carried an extra special feeling this year.
“Well I’m a young 84. I still look 65, but I’m really 84,” said Les Bricker.
One look at Bricker and you know the Marine vet has lived a full life.
“I was in Vietnam in ‘61 as an advisor, before anybody knew Vietnam even existed. In fact, most of the military didn’t know we were in Vietnam,” Bricker said.
But when he talks about his children, he lights up.
“I have two [daughters] and I have a son,” he said. “They’re nice kids and they’ve done well, in spite of me.”
Being away from friends and family was the hardest part of the pandemic, Bricker said.
“I think it was a pain in you know what, but obviously, I was just one of the millions that had to go through it,” he said.
“That was a really tough year. It was a tough year for everybody, but at the same time, there’s hope!” said Kevin Clem, executive director of The Wellington.
With 2020 in the rear view mirror, Clem said he can see the finish line.
“We had 100% vaccination in our clinic, which is amazing!” he said.
This Father’s Day, they opened the doors to welcome friends and family.
“Because we saw life again!” said Clem.
“I’ve got grandchildren with me. They get to see their great grandmother and it’s just great, it’s wonderful to feel this way again,” Reed Whitlock said of visiting his mother for Father’s Day.
While many came to visit, others like Bricker, headed out for the day.
“It’s a very nice feeling to have that freedom,” he said. “I think that’s what we’re all about.”
He drove to have brunch with all of his children and grandchildren — a first in more than a year.
“I think they’re going to have my favorite. I have been craving turkey and dressing, so we’re going to have an early Thanksgiving,” Bicker shared.
As a friendly reminder, masks are still required for visitors at centers like the Wellington.
