One of the reasons I love the Y is because of the relationships I form simply by being on an exercise machine next to someone, looking like I need help and someone assists, or being in the locker room at the same time every day. Such is a relationship of fun and teasing that I’ve developed with the Graeffs.In 1998, when Eileen Graeff retired, she went shopping for a fitness center where she could not only keep herself physically fit, but also a place where she could make friends and build a community of support for herself and her husband Bill.
Eileen and Bill visited several different fitness centers and they liked the way the Dancel Family Center Y in Ellicott City “felt” best out of all their visits. It felt like more than a gym – they got “good vibes.” It felt like a place where they would be not only welcomed, but also supported and embraced. They saw people talking to each other and being nice.
At the beginning, The Graeffs participated only in Aquasize classes before eventually branching out to other activities in the center. Today they enjoy the company of the people in their first Aquasize class as well as other members and employees. One such employee is Kathy Klein. Kathy works in the Fitness Center. “You hear her before you see her” they share. “She has a laugh that makes you laugh!!” And Kathy has the same feelings for the Graeffs. A native of Canada, she refers to the Graeffs as her American family.
Sherri Hendrix, a member of the Y, knows that she can count on seeing Eileen and Bill on the treadmill or on a bicycle – always with a book. Neither of them are ever too involved to give a look and deliver a very pleasant “Hello, how are you today?” Sherri considers them very special friends.
The Graeffs have remained consistent members at the Y through many of life’s hurdles.
In 2008 Eileen had breast cancer and came through chemo with no problems. She attributes this to staying fit and keeping her life as “normal” as possible through the healing process.
Bill had a hip replacement and then… Eileen broke her arm!! Before her arm was healed, Bill fell on ice broke his other hip!! As soon as they were able, the Graeffs were back at the Y working out in their normal workout routine.
Katy, who works at the front desk of the Dancel Family Center Y, loves their attitude, friendliness, Bill’s teasing (do you hear a reoccurring theme here?), and says she could go on and on about the positive attributes of Bill and Eileen.
I look forward to Eileen’s pleasant “Hello” and Bill’s sarcasm, even when he’s splashing me from his Arthritis class while I’m taking a swim lesson!!
Posted by Jessica Pearsall, Fitness Instructor, Dancel Family Center Y
