Stories about destruction followed by rebirth are very familiar. The phoenix—that immortal bird from mythology that rises from the ashes. In the Christian faith, Jesus rises from the dead, ascending to heaven. Even a flower blooms, nourished by compost. These stories offer hope and remind us that nothing is truly lost. They show us a path forward when it seems all is gone.
Marlene Batelaan has lived her version of this story. For many years, Marlene lived in Paradise, California. But on November 8, 2018, strong winds brought down a failing powerline, sparking the Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history. Marlene’s home, along with all her belongings, was reduced to ashes.
For three months, Marlene called a Holiday Inn her home. Knowing she needed to chart a new path, her nephew helped her find a home at Prairie City Landing.
Change is never easy, but starting over from scratch is particularly challenging. Yet Marlene was determined to move forward. She joined the flower-arranging group at Prairie City Landing, hoping it might lift her spirits and help her meet her new neighbors.
Though she’d never arranged flowers before—declaring herself to have a “black thumb”—Marlene embraced the opportunity. She was eager to create something beautiful. “You feel like you accomplished something,” she said, reflecting on the colorful arrangements gracing the dining tables in the Cypress Room.
Every Wednesday for five years now, Marlene has gathered with about eight neighbors to arrange flowers. They visit as they work. Each week the flowers are different. Sometimes the scent of baking cookies wafts into the room. No two arrangements are ever quite the same, just as each resident brings their own personality to the table.
Marlene shares one of her floral arrangements for the Cypress Room.
These vibrant, living bouquets spark conversations at dinner. Residents look forward to seeing the new arrangements and guessing who crafted which one. The flowers provide a sense of joy and comfort.
Marlene found her new way forward, one marked by strength and compassion. But she couldn’t have imagined where that path was taking her. When she first arrived at Prairie City Landing, recovering from the devastating loss caused by the Camp Fire, she was quiet and reserved. Today, she is serving in her second term as the President of the Resident Council.
Initially hesitant, Marlene found encouragement from Cynthia Bazin, the Marketing Director at Prairie City Landing. Cynthia saw in Marlene the leadership qualities needed to help residents learn and grow together, resolve differences, and build a stronger community.
As President, Marlene listens, organizes guest speakers, and inspires her neighbors to come together and support their community. Her journey reflects the power of resilience, leadership, and community.
“It’s a blessing,” Marlene says of the many opportunities to engage at Prairie City Landing. In reality, Marlene is the true blessing—one who rose from the ashes to make Prairie City Landing a better place to live.
Multiple studies have proven that social well-being is the foundation of mental and physical health. Flower arranging and Resident Council are just a couple of hundreds of events, adventures, and opportunities to engage at Prairie City Landing. Read more about our signature programs or reach out to a Counselor who can help support your path forward.
Download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living.
Discover life at Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing
We created Prairie City Landing to support our residents to live their best lives possible. Our community’s design, residences, activities and amenities are all focused on helping to connect, engage and create an enriched life.
If you’re searching for senior living that is different from the rest, we hope you will consider Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing. We invite you to download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living. Contact us to speak to an advisor, or schedule your tour of Prairie City Landing today to experience senior living and our community for yourself.
