Living Through Gratitude

Through challenges big and small, Terry Guiler has found a compass in gratitude. Instead of dwelling on life’s ups and downs, she views each turn as an opportunity to grow, give thanks, and keep moving forward.

A resident of Normandie Ridge since 2018, Terry, followed in the footsteps of her parents, who moved there in 2015. “I wasn’t quite ready to move to a senior living community,” says Terry, who was only 59 at the time. “But, after my father passed away, and my mom’s health began to decline, it was clear this was where we needed to be.”  

Terry’s life has long been marked by adaptability and a sense of adventure. When her husband Randy wanted to sell their home and hit the road in an RV, Terry embraced the journey — exploring new places, meeting new people, and even starting a blog about life on the road. For nine years, Terry and Randy — who passed away in 2023 — traveled the country, visiting 31 of the 48 contiguous states: “I am so grateful for that time together,” she says. 

Cheerleader for Associates

That unquestioning gratitude continues to drive Terry’s work at Normandie Ridge. She’s a passionate advocate for associates, through support of scholarships and education and serving as she describes it as the “Head Cheerleader” for Associate Appreciation Committee.

“I want associates to know they’re valued for who they are, not just for what they do,” she says. “I had the privilege of seeing my mother go through all three levels of care, and I’ve seen the love, the joy and the compassion they bring to their jobs.”

Building Community Through Giving

Terry also finds creative ways to bring the community together. She helps organize resident-led Benevolent Care fundraisers like pretzel sales and events such as Rock and Roll at the Ridge, showing how teamwork and fun can make a real difference.

Terry is creatively giving through a reoccurring monthly donation that supports benevolent care.  She also recently gave through an estate note which will be used to fund a charitable gift annuity (CGA) in several years.

 “This is our community,” she says. “If we don’t take care of it, who will?”

Rooted in gratitude and faith, for Terry, giving is not an obligation, it’s a privilege. “I have never, ever regretted giving,” she says. “It brings joy to the heart and strengthens the community around us.”