Cherish The Journey

It was a cooler than average day in October when Jim Weed, affectionately known as Roy by friends and family, started out on the 60 mile trip from Juniper Village at Meadville to Peek N Peak Resort in New York for his Granddaughters wedding. The snow that fell was greeted with the warmth and love of three generations in the Weed family.

Two of Jim's Four children were in attendance: Mark, his wife Patty and their son Steve traveled from Albion, PA; Richard, his wife Shirley, their son Randy, their daughter Heather and her husband Chuck McKinney all traveled from Saegertown, PA. There was a special table of remembrance acknowledging the grandparents who have passed away, including Jim's wife Francis Weed.


Fredrick, Maryland is the home of the newlyweds Tina and Troy Garland. They were married on October 16th, 2009. She is a special needs teacher and he is a private investigator. Jim couldn't be prouder of her accomplishments in both work and family life.

Tina and her grandfather have shared in a special journey in their lives, a journey that some families are fortunate enough to experience. Both, as children, were adopted into the Weed family. As a toddler, Jim's parents parted ways and he was chosen to be adopted by the Weeds. He was raised during the great depression, a time when families were struggling to survive through the collapse of the economy. The Weeds welcomed Jim in with open arms and never left his side. He says he knew he was adopted, but he always thought of the Weeds as his parents, and nothing less. Jim did not fail to teach his children about the value of family, so when Mark Weed and Patty started their journey together as a family, Mark adopted Patty's daughter Tina as his own, as well as Patty's son Steve, when they were young children. Jim and Tina have always felt a special bond because of the way the Weed family welcomed them into their lives. Jim and Tina continue to give back to the greater good in the world. Whether it's through the choices they made in their careers, Jim's commitment to country through his service in the Army or through his continued work as a Christian Layman.


How he came to reside at Juniper Village is a story of pride, integrity, independence and trust. Jim's sense of Humor was evident the first moment he toured Juniper Village last March. Having served in the Army, he attended a Veteran's Educational seminar on a benefit that helps pay for personal care and he was introduced to me by his dear friend, Virginia Seiler as "the next prospect." We all had a chuckle, as Mr. Weed explained he was interested in the Veteran's Benefit for future planning, but wasn't quite ready yet. Over the next three months, Jim attended several Connections programs and visited us, perhaps using some of Troy's investigative techniques, he gathered all the essential information to share with his children. Two of his sons traveled up from Florida to support their father's decision as well. By the time Jim was ready to make the decision to move in, he already felt like family. I cherish the Journey I took with Mr. Weed through his decision making process, because it is a process. Maintaining integrity and respecting where individuals are in their process is so important, and Jim put his trust in us. By encouraging him that Juniper Village can give him back his independence, and building trust within Jim, his family and between the caring staff at Juniper Village, Jim soon become an extended member of our Juniper Family. Jim states "I never have been alone, not even with Uncle Sam was I alone, so I knew coming here was where I needed to be." Companionship and Connections are important in all seasons of life. Move in day came and I asked Mr. Weed if he was ready for the move, to which he replied: "I may be ready for you, but are you ready for me!?"


Not a day goes by that Jim isn't smiling, spreading his Joy about Juniper Village, and joking with the staff. When he proudly announced that his granddaughter was getting married, and that he would be making that Journey to share in her moment, I was reminded how Jim's family all gathered by his side during his Journey to Juniper Village. This family truly understands what we mean when we speak about Cherishing the Journey.


Congratulations Troy and Tina Garland. May your family continue to be blessed with all the love previous generations have instilled in you.