08/07/2026
💙 Family Testimonial | Mike Lucas
"Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:18
My mom was a faithful Christian. She rarely spoke of her faith in outward testimony or scripture; instead, she simply lived her life reflecting the teachings of Jesus through her actions. That verse from John captures the essence of who she was. Living with multiple sclerosis, Mom was fortunate to receive that same active kindness and love from others—especially during her final two years at Laurel Crest.
In that spirit, when I think about "Our Why," my mind immediately turns to the care, dignity, and warmth extended to my mother, Annette Lucas.
After my dad passed away in 2017, Mom lived at home with 24/7 care. However, finding reliable around-the-clock caregivers in a small town became increasingly difficult. By early 2023, after several temporary stays at my cottage in Laurel Crest during caregiver shortages, Mom recognized it was time for a change and joined the healthcare waiting list. Five months later, in March 2023, her room opened up. She moved in—along with over 50 years of "stuff" that we lovingly helped her sort through until her space felt just like home.
Leaving a house she had lived in for over 60 years was a major transition, but three individuals went above and beyond to make Laurel Crest a true home for her:
• Nurse Sheila didn’t just care for Mom; she supported our whole family. On her own time off while out shopping, Sheila would pick up items out of her own pocket to make Mom more comfortable, even buying clothing for upcoming doctor appointments.
• Care Technician Amanda was equally attentive, constantly checking in on Mom and asking my brothers, Bruce and Jeff, and me how she could make things better. Mom expressed her appreciation within Laurel Crest's "no-tipping" policy by keeping a steady supply of chocolates in her room specifically to share with Amanda.
• Chaplain Mike ministered to Mom’s spirit with equal devotion. Whenever she missed Wednesday Bible Study, he would stop by her room so she never missed a lesson. When Mom passed, he stepped in on short notice to deliver a perfect eulogy, touching everyone present and helping us celebrate her full 90 years of life.
That same exceptional spirit extended to every corner of the community:
• The Care Team: Gave Mom regular manicures—something she never did at home—which she wore with immense pride.
• The Hairdresser: Kept up Mom's cherished weekly routine of getting her hair styled.
• The Dining Staff: Always treated her like royalty whenever she dined.
Mom passed away on May 13. The staff handled that night with extraordinary gentleness, preparing her and supporting our family with deep grace.
My brothers and I have zero regrets about Mom moving to Laurel Crest. The genuine, active love she received here far surpassed the home she left behind. To the entire staff: you are the heart behind "Our Why."
With deepest gratitude,
Mike Lucas
