For Don and Gail, finding the right place for their son Neal has always been their priority. After 35 years of caring for Neal as their only child, they sought a community where he would not only be supported but thrive. Cedar Lake, they soon realized, was exactly that place.
Their journey to Cedar Lake began in 2008 when the family moved to Northern Kentucky after Don’s 40-year career with Toyota brought them across the country. In 2020, they relocated to Louisville, drawn by extended family in the area. It was during a family gathering that they learned about Cedar Lake Lodge for the first time, when a relative, who was a DSP at the Lodge, asked if they were familiar with it. Initially thinking it was a vacation spot, they quickly learned Cedar Lake could be a home for their son Neal, offering him the support he needed.
Intrigued, they researched Cedar Lake and were impressed by the care and compassion of the people they met during their visit to the Lodge. Despite knowing the waiting list could be more than a decade long, they added Neal’s name in 2009, hoping for the best. To their surprise and relief, just three years later, Neal was offered a spot. After spending one year at the Lodge, Neal moved to Park Place in 2013, where he’s built a life full of friendship, laughter, and joy.
A Social Butterfly at Park Place
Neal, a social and friendly person, has always enjoyed connecting with others. He clicks with people easily and is known for his ability to light up a room with his smile and sense of humor. “He is a gift from God,” said one of Neal’s DSPs during his first month at Cedar Lake, a sentiment that continues to echo throughout the community. Neal loves knowing the schedules of his favorite staff members and often calls his parents to share stories about the people he admires. He affectionately compares his favorite caregivers to his mom, Gail, which his parents know is the highest compliment Neal can give.
Cedar Lake has become a place where Neal not only feels understood but also flourishes. He enjoys live music, WWE wrestling, and going on outings with his best buddies, Mike and Todd. Earlier this year, Neal attended WWE’s Friday Night Smackdown at the YUM Center. This was sure to have been a highlight for Neal, who loves the excitement of the matches and the camaraderie of the “man cave” at Park Place, where his friends regularly watch wrestling together.
Fun with His Parents
Before Cedar Lake, Neal and Don shared a passion for motorcycling, taking father-son trips across the West Coast, the Rockies, and even into Mexico. They socialized with other motorcyclists and enjoyed countless adventures together. Neal also loves attending local fairs like the Henry County Harvest Festival and the Eminence Day Fair, where he is greeted by friends wherever he goes—everyone seems to know and love Neal.
While Neal once spent every weekend at home with his parents when he lived at the Lodge, they decided to give him more independence after he moved to Park Place, allowing him to stay longer with his friends. Now, Neal visits home once a month, but the family stays closely connected, talking throughout the week. The most reassuring moments for Don and Gail, however, are when they take Neal back to Park Place after a home visit. Neal, always eager to see who’s working that day, often heads straight down the hallway, ready to rejoin his community. For his parents, this simple act brings a sense of peace. “We live in peace knowing if something happens to us, he will be fine and happy,” they said.
Neal’s love for his friends, the staff, and his life at Cedar Lake is evident in every smile, laugh, and joke. His parents couldn’t be happier with the care he receives, describing the staff as “phenomenal.” As they reflect on their journey with Neal and Cedar Lake, Don and Gail are filled with gratitude, knowing their son is in a place where he is loved, supported, and most importantly, happy.
For Neal, Cedar Lake is more than just a place to live; it’s home.
Is Cedar Lake right for your loved one? Learn more about our support options including residential care.
