During the popular Music and Memories program at Paul’s Run participants often see Elaine and Howard Dyner. This mother and son pair, who have lived at Paul’s Run since 2016, enjoy sharing their memories through song.

“I like to see how they work together,” comments Molly Bybee, Director of Community Life, who leads residents through this creative and therapeutic program. “Howard will tell a story in one way, and Elaine will retell the same story in a different way.”

A Lifetime of Memories Together

Elaine and Howard have accumulated a lifetime of memories and stories together. A mother of two, Elaine and her husband raised their two children in the Oxford Circle section of Northeast Philadelphia in a home full of love.

“She’s a great Mom,” Howard beams.

Before their move to Paul’s Run, the Dyners lived right across the street from the community! When the time came for the family to move into Paul’s Run, Elaine’s dedicated daughter, and Howard’s sister, Sheryl, helped them move and settle into their new home.

“She found a great apartment for us,” Howard says. Sheryl follows her mother and brother’s active lives through Facebook. She can watch Howard perform during a Facebook live stream of a choral performance or react to photographs of her mother participating in an enlivening and fun Bingo game.

Learning Together

Living together means learning together, too, and mother and son have learned from one another. Elaine taught Howard about the importance of taking care of the people he loves and the things that he cherishes. Elaine has learned important things from Howard. “I learned not to take life too seriously,” she shares. “He always has a smile on his face.”

Trying new things, such as singing in public, brings a smile to Howard’s face. Howard has always felt passionate about music and singing, especially opera, but he had never sung in public until he moved to Paul’s Run. Joining the Choir and Actors’ Guild gave Howard the opportunity to share his love of singing with new friends while making
new memories.

Making New Memories

New memory-making continues for them. Most recently, in January, Mayor Jim Kenney honored Elaine, along with 21 other centenarians who live at Paul’s Run, during a special tribute, which was the third highest honor given by the mayor’s office.

Life at Paul’s Run keeps Elaine and Howard busy. Whether participating in activities separately or together, mother and son enjoy the opportunities to live and age well together.