At our Phoenix-based assisted living community, we take great pride in getting to know our residents, each of whom brings a unique history and personality to our home. Their stories not only enrich our community but also provide a fascinating glimpse into lives well-lived. This July, I had the pleasure of sitting down with John O’Connell, a resident whose life has been as dynamic as the fireworks that light up the sky on his birthday. The approach I took wasn’t your typical interview style: it was more of a “go, set, ready” process.

Go: I had no concrete plan, just an idea for the conversation. I spotted John in the living room of our Phoenix assisted living home and decided it was ‘go time’. Set: I asked if he was up for a chat, and he agreed. Ready: I had five AI-generated questions in my back pocket—enough to get us started.

If our full conversation was like a box of crayons, I found myself reaching for a variety of colors to illustrate this article. Some of John’s stories definitely colored outside the lines, adding richness to the narrative that’s too good to keep to myself. Stay tuned for the full ‘box’ later.

Reflecting on life: The Biggest Changes

When I asked John about the most significant change he’s witnessed in his lifetime, his answer was immediate: “I’m amazed at what my phone can do for me.”

His expression mirrored the awe he feels about how his analog world transitioned into the digital age. Born during the Space Age, John recalled a time when technological wonders seemed light-years away. Now, at 70, space isn’t just a distant dream—it’s literally in his pocket. The library, loved ones, learning, and leisure are all accessible from his phone, right here in our Phoenix assisted living community.

John also reflected on how the concept of movie ‘stars’ has changed. “The stars today are not what I consider real movie stars,” he said, pointing out that the glamour of Old Hollywood has been replaced by the ordinary. Today’s celebrities are more likely to be your neighbors, masked as content creators, influencers, or reality TV stars. For John, the epitome of a real movie star is Jack Nicholson, whose performance in *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest* he describes as ’unreal’ in how ‘real’ it felt. I couldn’t help but think that John himself would make a fantastic Jack Nicholson for Halloween—“Here’s Johnny!”

A Fourth of July Birthday: A Life Influenced by Celebration

John’s birthday has always been a big deal. “Everybody knew. It was a big deal,” he recalled with a smile.

Being born on the Fourth of July meant that his birthday celebrations were naturally grand, filled with parades and fireworks. And yet, no one could overshadow the love and warmth his mother provided—“the sweetest thing in the world,” as John describes her. She would often regale him with stories of how he was a beautiful baby boy, one who captured the hearts of the nurses the moment he arrived. “She talked me up big time. It was nice to hear,” John reminisces, his voice filled with affection.

His mother had a knack for making even the simplest moments special, and those memories have clearly stayed with John throughout his life.

Passing Down Wisdom: Seizing Life’s Opportunities

When asked what life lesson he would like to pass down to the younger generations, John didn’t hesitate: “Don’t ever pass up on something you really wanna do and see and witness.”

John’s younger years were spent as a self-proclaimed “pure-bred hippie,” living life on his terms. He was more interested in his “absolutely gorgeous” hippie van, adorned with murals of Jonathan Livingston Seagull and flamingos, than in formal education. But with the wisdom of age, John now sees the value in both schooling and seizing opportunities. “Go to school when you can,” he advises, seeing education as the penny worth saving. “Pay attention” to life’s opportunities, he adds, as the second penny.

Despite his youthful wildness, John didn’t let an opportunity slip by, especially when it came to witnessing Evel Knievel perform a death-defying jump. He and his friends watched front and center near a ledge, keeping one eye on Knievel and the other on the unpredictable crowd.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Dreams Yet to Fulfill

As our conversation turned to the future, John spoke about his role as a father. “He counts on me a lot. I have to stay on the straight and narrow,” John said, referring to his close relationship with his son.

John’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He shared the story of his wife, Marie (a pseudonym), who tragically lost her battle with alcohol. Despite the heartache, John speaks of her with respect and love. This experience has only strengthened his resolve to be a good parent, ensuring that his son knows he can always count on him.

Legacy: Living with Dignity and Purpose

When asked about the legacy he wants to leave behind, John was blunt: “I want to pass before I need my butt wiped. It’s not fair to others.”

It’s a sentiment that speaks to his desire to live with dignity and independence for as long as possible. “Happy Birthday” may come with the tag “and many more,” but for John, it’s the quality, not just the quantity, of those years that matters most. He wants to enjoy many more birthdays—as long as he can maintain his independence.

John’s childhood was filled with love, adventure, and the thrill of racing motorcycles and snowmobiles, a passion nurtured by his father’s successful dealership in Montana. He fondly recalls the great Christmases of his youth, racing on his father’s motorcycle team in pink and white uniforms—“Fast. Furious. Fun… Flamingos!”.

John’s story, like so many of our residents, is a testament to a life lived fully and with passion. His reflections remind us that the residents of our Phoenix assisted living home bring with them a wealth of experience and wisdom, enriching our community in countless ways.

These photos capture John surrounded by his loving family, lifelong friends, and the dedicated caregivers at our Phoenix assisted living home. His smile reflects the deep connections he cherishes with each person. These moments showcase the warmth and support that enrich John’s daily life.

Credits:

Produced by Terra (Engagement & Activities)

Featured holiday background and funny face masks provided by Sarah

Pictured: John, John’s loved ones and caregivers Sarah and Lynde