Kosciusko County Resident

... A REAL Story

“I don’t know what we would do without Christy!” That is what Linda said about Christy Nine, who works at REAL Services in Warsaw.  Linda’s husband Vaughn, age 73, has been a client of REAL Services for the past 5 years.

Vaughn and Linda have been married for 54 years.  Their love story began when they were 16 and first met at a Friday night “Sock Hop.”  A few years later, they married and have since raised six children in Kosciusko County.

Vaughn successfully started his own business making sports posters for high schools and colleges.  He was on a job in Michigan when he called Linda and told her he was not able to get out of the car because his legs wouldn’t function.  Vaughn was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Unable to do the things he used to do, Vaughn fell into depression.  His doctor said he needed to find an activity that he could do.  So at the age of 65, Vaughn learned how to play the piano, which keeps his mind active and improves circulation in his hands.

His condition continued to worsen and Linda was no longer able to take care of him by herself.  After living together and raising a family in their home for almost 43 years, the thought of Vaughn going to a nursing facility was unbearable for both of them.  That is where REAL Services has made such a difference in their lives, keeping them together in the home that means so much to the whole family.

The REAL Services of Kosciusko County case manager arranged for in-home services to help Linda care for Vaughn, worked to secure transportation for Vaughn, and most recently arranged for a handicap ramp that allows better access for Vaughn’s wheelchair.  Today they have ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who can visit them and continue building memories in the family home.

“We love REAL Services.  They do anything for anybody!”