Blog Post

The Magic of Friendship!  

One day 41 years ago, two couples paths happened to cross while serving in the US Army, and they said "Hello!"   Clearly something magical happened as Joe & Mary Lou and Paul & Carolyn  have been friends and neighbors ever since.   

After serving in the Army for many years, both couples are now retired and live next door to each other near Chester, Virginia.  About 5 years ago, Paul and Carolyn were ready to get rid of their two-story home and stairs  and decided to start looking at places in Florida, North Carolina and Richmond. Having lived in this area for many years, they decided not  to leave their church and other family members nearby, which lead them to focus their search on Richmond. One Sunday afternoon they visited The Cove at Magnolia Lakes in Chester and they immediately liked what they saw. The community is close to their family and church, offers one story living with lake views and “The homes are so cute!" Carolyn said. That week they made an appointment to meet with Craig, the Sales Manager at The Cove.   

In the meantime, Mary Lou had a fall and broke her leg. Joe said, “I had no intention of buying a home!” However, Paul called and said, “We are going to The Cove, come take a look. We are buying Lot 9 on the lake!” Joe took a look and next thing you know he asked Craig, “Is lot 10 available?” And the answer was yes. Joe said, “We’ll take it!”   

After many life's adventures over 40 years, including many fun vacations and cruises together,  both couples are looking forward to this next chapter.   They are also very excited about their new homes next door to each other, with all the modern conveniences, no stairs and most important, no yard work! They have already been to many events at The Cove such as Happy Hours and Cooking Demonstration Socials in the Corner Patch Gardens and already have gotten to know many of their new neighbors.  “Everyone is so friendly,” Carolyn said. Carolyn describes living next door to her best friends of 40 years as like one family living in two houses. "We pass food back and forth all the time! – what are you cooking tonight?” Carolyn said. It certainly has made life more fun.  

This story of a decades long friendship goes to show you never know where your next “Hello” will take you. At all Cornerstone Homes communities, it is easy to say hello and make new friends.  Whether it's social events at the clubhouse, walking the trails and tree-lined sidewalks, or poolside parties, all you have to do is put down your phone and computer and get out there!  It’s time to start living life and with a low maintenance lifestyle you will have the benefit of free time to do exactly that- enjoy life! Come see for yourself and say hello to the neighbors.