James Hancock and his wife, Sophia, moved to PineCrest over 26 years ago in 1998, only six years after the community had opened. The pair initially lived in Independent Living, “Apartment 323 for nine and a half years,” he states with pride. They later abandoned their third-floor apartment for a ground floor apartment where they lived for another six and a half years.
When making their decision, they did their due diligence to shop for senior living options across the entire state of Texas. However, when they visited PineCrest, it was like love at first sight. Shortly after touring, they made the commitment to move-in. They were especially encouraged that this decision would give them access to care for the future, if ever needed. Eventually, it would become necessary for Sophia to move to long-term-care nursing where she lived for over 5 years before she went to be with the Lord.
Today, at 95 years old, he has also made his home in the nursing care area of the community, known as The Woodlands at PineCrest. He says that he has always been the type of guy that keeps to himself, avoiding any opportunities to stand in the spotlight.
However, he began to notice that meals were missing a traditional element, the prayer of blessing before enjoying the meal. He wondered if offering to lead the daily prayer would be a welcomed idea by fellow residents. He first asked his nurse, Jamie, what she thought of the idea. Jamie was quick to endorse the idea, giving him the courage to take the next step to get the practice going.
Before long, a new meal tradition began with Hancock leading in prayer before each meal. He shared that a fellow resident even gifted him with a bell to ring which signals the group to bow their heads in prayer. The daily ritual has been named as a source of encouragement to both residents and staff alike. Along the way, Hancock has been careful to consider the feedback he got from his wife during their many years together. He shared with a chuckle, “My wife thought I prayed too long, but I don’t really believe in long prayers. Praying publicly is a good thing to do, but not the place to catch up on your praying.”
Today, Hancock is well-known for more than being the community’s resident with the lengthiest residency, he is also known as “The PineCrest Prayer Warrior.” Hancock is committed to praying diligently for the leaders and caregivers, along with anyone in need. He shares a special relationship with PineCrest’s Executive Director, Heath Foust, for whom he prays for regularly.
Despite Hancock’s hesitancy to bring attention to himself, he is swayed to share as he hopes others can be encouraged by his testimony. Hancock proves that finding purpose and fulfillment is not limited by age, nor physical ability. The only thing that stunts one’s ability to find purpose is an unwillingness to take action when given the opportunity.
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