Good Things are Growing with this Lasting Wish!

Richard Zokas describes himself as a “farm kid.” Now advanced in his years and residing in a senior living community in Michigan, he misses being able to dig in the dirt and grow things. When being visited by his Elara Caring Hospice Registered Nurse, who took him outside for a visit on a nice day, she noticed that he perked up being in the sunshine and fresh air. This prompted conversation about his growing up on a farm and working on a farm throughout his life. On that day, a seed was planted.

Mr. Zokas’ care team began brainstorming. They reached out to our Elara Caring Hospice Foundation team and more brainstorming followed. Eventually this seed of an idea grew to granting this self-proclaimed “farm kid” his own patch of soil in which to tend and grow some of his favorite plants! ECHF purchased a raised garden bed planter on wheels, completed with customized “Farmer Zokas” signage. This garden was filled with soil, seeds, and plant starts and Farmer Zokas was provided with garden tools, a watering can, tomato supports, garden gloves, and a straw hat to enable him to tend his garden and nurture seedlings to life.

This farm-on-wheels is starting its inaugural season growing radishes, lettuce, and tomatoes. While the initial planting took place indoors due to cool weather and a rainy day, we can’t wait to watch this farm flourish and grow, nurtured by a gentleman with deep farming roots!