OWINGS MILLS — At Atrium Village, prom isn’t just reserved for the younger crowd.
Veterans Share Joy and Memories at Atrium Village Senior Prom
Two veterans celebrate love, laughter and senior prom at Atrium Village
The senior living community is gearing up for its annual senior prom, a special occasion that serves as a joyous opportunity for two veterans to celebrate companionship, laughter, and love at every stage of life.
Robert Merritt, who dedicated three years to the Navy, and Henry Goodman, a Marine veteran also with three years of service, bring a mix of different military backgrounds, personal histories, and playful rivalry to the event.
Merritt humorously pointed out the ongoing necessity of the Navy by stating, “Well, tell Marines learn how to walk on water. They need us.”
Merritt’s date for the evening is Joyce, a woman he met when she chose to sit at his table at Atrium Village. He shared that their relationship blossomed through enjoyable conversations and shared moments.
“I was sitting at this big round table with a group, and an empty seat was there, and she came in and sat down with us,” he recalled fondly.
As he prepares for the prom, Merritt expresses excitement about dressing up and spending the evening with Joyce. He joked about wanting to look sharp, saying, “Get all dressed up, smell good. Make everything right. Wish I had more hair, but what the hell?”
In contrast, Goodman and his wife, Odessa, have a longer love story, having first met in high school. With nearly 68 years of marriage under their belts, Goodman reminisces about meeting Odessa’s large family for the first time, noting its vibrant atmosphere.
“Oh, man, it was like a party going on all the time, you know,” Goodman described with a smile.
Goodman attended his high school prom, but shortly afterward, he departed for Parris Island to serve in the Marines. Now, decades later, the prom offers him and Odessa another delightful occasion to celebrate their enduring bond.
After nearly seventy years of marriage, Goodman reflects on how essential Odessa is to his life, stating, “I wouldn’t know how to go on without her, to tell you the truth.”
For Merritt, Goodman, and their partners, the senior prom at Atrium Village transcends being merely a dance. It stands as a heartfelt opportunity to don their best outfits, share laughter, and create lasting memories, irrespective of age.
