"Letters to Mom", A WWII Love Story Shared Through Generations

Living History: The Joy of Serving Those Who've Lived It

If you ask someone who works in senior living what they love most about it, you'll hear all kinds of answers. However, one answer stands out time and time again: the privilege of learning about history from the people who lived it. Our residents share stories of riding in the first automobiles, watching the moon landing on black-and-white TVs, and living through moments most of us have only read about.

As a retirement community, we're honored to serve seniors in a way that helps preserve, celebrate, and share their legacies - stories that continue to educate, inspire, and connect us across generations.

Honoring Family, History, and Service Through One Resident's Incredible Legacy

We recently had the honor of working closely with Tara Harper, the daughter of our longtime resident, Geraldine 'Gerry' Myers, on one such project.

Tara discovered a collection of heartfelt letters her father, Roy Meyer, wrote to her mother and family during World War II. With nearly 80 years of personal history in these letters, Tara compiled them into a moving book that captures his voice and legacy. The result is a moving tribute to her father titled "Letters to Mom: A World War II Soldier's Account of Sacrifice, Courage, and Love".

Michelle Herandez, Director of Resident Experience, shared, "We were so happy to work with Tara to help share this beautiful story with the wider Tucson community. Thanks to that collaboration, KOLD News 13 created a powerful segment highlighting the letters and the deep family connections behind them, including Geraldine's remarkable service during WWII as a U.S. Army nurse."

Tara's story is a touching tribute to two people who served their country in different but equally meaningful ways. It also serves as a tribute to a generation shaped by resilience, love, and service - and reminds us of the rich history that lives within our community.

Watch the full story here: KOLD News 13, 'One daughter’s journey to preserve and share her father’s wartime letters'.

"Letters to Mom" is available at:

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• The Pima Air & Space Museum
• The Pima Public Library