Feeling the love at Karori Village

For almost 20 years, Judith Dickson Higgins and husband Jim have celebrated their love by treating themselves to an evening out on Valentine’s Day.

With Jim moving into the care home at Karori Village in Wellington late last year, their annual tradition was going to look a little different this year.

“I had arrived clutching a Valentine’s Day card and feeling rather sad that Jim and I would not be going out to celebrate the occasion,” says Judith.

Knowing the significance of the day, the Karori Village team arranged a surprise dining experience for Jim and Judith along with another couple at the village.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes when the Activities Coordinator, Gillian, opened the door to a room that had been beautifully decorated for a special Valentine’s Day lunch, complete with wonderful mood lighting and music.

“I haven’t seen Jim so happy in a long time. The huge smile on his face brought me to tears.

“I am so appreciative to the whole team. It’s not often in life that you get such an amazing and thoughtful surprise.”

For Judith, who visits Jim in the village twice a day, the secret to a long and happy relationship is respect, love and lots of fun.

“We often talk about how special our relationship is and how very lucky we are to have each other.”