My almost 98-year-old mom recently got notice that the house in which she has lived with three other ladies for 13 years, was being sold. She would have to either move into the smaller, more institutional-looking quarters of the Home, or move out.

My wonderful sisters found mom a new senior residence. Brookdale South is making mom very happy. I am happy for her. I am happy just being there. Every one of the staff I have met so far has a pleasant smile and pleasant words. The residents are friendly, the bedrooms are large, and the dining room is like a top-rate restaurant with a menu and open hours.

The food is great, and there are so many choices. I wish I could tip the waitress at least 20 percent. The administrator made us feel at home, like we could speak to her at any time about anything. There are activities throughout the day.

Yes, mom is paying more money. But, thanks to her Social Security, her pension, and dad’s pension, she should be all right.

I am glad there is a Brookdale. Or, should I say Brookdales. It turns out that Brookdale is the largest owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. Five hundred and seventy Brookdale senior living communities and retirement communities are in the U.S. They have 35,000 staff members and 55,000 residents. So many Brookdales that 6.5 million people 80 years or older live within 10 miles of a Brookdale community. I’m only five minutes away by car from mom’s Brookdale.

Since I expect mom to live to 120, I figure she still has at least 22 great years to enjoy Brookdale.

I now find myself asking, “Where do I want to live once my wife and I decide to leave our home?” Would I like to live at Brookdale? If Brookdale had a pool, I might be so inclined. Meanwhile I will enjoy visiting mom, dining with her in her cool dining room, and seeing her make new friends.

Brookdale even has its own cookie – it’s YUM.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com