Within every Harmony Senior Living Community, there is a story waiting to be told. For Harmony at Anderson, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, resident Willi Schakat, his life story not only inspires those around him, but also all those lucky enough to read his book, A Home to Call My Own.
When Willi was six years old, he became a refugee as he was forced to flee his home in Germany during World War II to escape the Russian invasion.
The beginning of his journey out of Germany was full of hardships.
“The idea of flight under pressure, is, is really very difficult,” Willi said. “And I was six years old. I didn’t really know what was going on, and the Russian army was constantly behind us. We had a couple of days of privilege on the train. But after that, we went thousands of miles on foot.”
After leaving his home, Willi, alongside his sisters, aunt, and grandmother, travelled across war-ridden Europe for many years. They found a home in Denmark for a while and Willi worked as a farmer to earn a living. However, when the opportunity arose for him to interview for an American visa, he knew he had to take it.
“America was the gold, if you could get to go there,” Willi said. “And people in this little town where we lived, congratulated us.”
So, at 17 years old with $7 in his pocket, Willi made the journey across the Atlantic to start a new life in America.
After a 13-day-long voyage, Willi arrived in New York and was amazed to be greeted by a man who spoke German and helped him through customs.
“I stood in front of the bow of the ship, and I saw the biggest building in the world, and I thought, ‘Lord, don’t get lost in this country,” Willi said with a laugh.
Willi was able to assimilate to American culture and form a great life for himself, creating a family and a home in Ohio. As he grew older, his wife, Judith, inspired him to write a book about his life story.
In 2005 Willi published his book A Home to Call My Own, which further details his journey as a refugee all the way from Germany to the shores of New York.
“It was very interesting to me after I read it, to think ‘this really happened to me,’ even though it is my own life story,” Willi said, awestruck.
Willi’s book was able to come to fruition with the help of his three sons Timothy, Thomas, and William, who helped edit the book in order to share their father’s story. Willi dedicated his book to his wife of 43 years, Judith, who unfortunately passed away before the book was published.
Now in the later years of his life, Willi calls Harmony at Anderson his home, and enjoys every minute of it.
He is social and outgoing, standing at the front of the building with his wife, Audrey, to wave to the kids who pass by. His friendliness has inspired the local kids to write letters to him, and a farmer nearby brought a horse for him to pet.
“There is no place like home, but Harmony is the next best thing. I have made a lot of good friends here,” Willi said with a smile.
To meet more amazing Harmony residents like Willi, schedule a tour at a community near you.
