Childhood friends born in same hospital a day apart, now neighbors once again!
It’s a unique friendship that started from birth.
Sally Darden and Lynda Askew were born in the same hospital in a tiny town just one day apart.
“Our mothers were across the hall from each other. Our lives have been connected from day one,” Sally said.
And three years ago, their journey brought them to Lanier Village Estates—just a month apart, and, fittingly, into cottages right across the street from one another.
“It’s crazy, isn’t it?” Lynda said. “We added our name to the list for a cottage, and fortunately Sally also saw the wisdom of coming here.”
Born a Day Apart, Bonded for Life
The friends were born in tiny Sparta, Georgia, a town of just 1,200 residents. Their fathers were merchants; their mothers, both teachers, knew each other well. From that shared beginning, Sally and Lynda’s paths mirrored one another’s in many ways.
They both married their high school sweethearts—who were also friends—and all four often double-dated. Their husbands went to medical school, their children are around the same age, and both families eventually put down roots in Gainesville, Georgia, where they lived for more than four decades.
Left to right: Danny and Lynda Askew, married 57 years, and Sally and Johnny Darden, married 56 years.
“The beauty of being able to be at this point in your life with such long-term friends who knew your parents, your childhood. It is just really a unique relationship that we treasure," Sally said. "Now we live next door, and can get together for dinners, go on walks together, or just go back and forth from each other’s homes.”
“We say all the time—we have the best of both worlds," Lynda said. "We’ve kept our Gainesville life and added a whole new life at Lanier Village Estates.”
A Vibrant Lifestyle with New Friends
The friends felt welcomed right away at Lanier Village Estates where they easily developed new friendships. “People living here are just the nicest people—from so many different walks of life, and different parts of the country,” said Sally. “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to meet people we would never have known otherwise.”
Along with new friendships, Sally and Lynda enjoy a calendar full of activities and take advantage of many wellness opportunities on campus.
Sally is a regular at exercise classes, volunteers at the on-campus thrift store Retired Treasures, and even participated in a campus fashion show for charity. “There’s something for everyone to do here,” she said.
Lynda serves on the Special Projects Committee, Resident Association Board, and as secretary of the Retired Treasures' Board of Directors.
“My husband and I enjoy the outdoors and love our large backyard,” Lynda said. “We have plenty of space, plenty of room. We couldn't ask for anything more.”
A Gift for Themselves—and Their Families
Beyond the social opportunities and lifestyle amenities, both women say their decision to move to Lanier Village Estates was a gift to their families. In addition to a continuum of care - assisted living and skilled care on the same campus, should they ever need it – residents also have access to rehabilitation services, on-site wellness, and spiritual support for peace of mind at every life stage.
“We’re so fortunate to live here,” Lynda said. “We went through that challenge with both my husband's and my parents, as health declined, trying to find them more support. It’s the best decision we made for our children.”
Sally agreed, “We tell our children this is the best gift we could give them. They don't have to worry about us. We are very happy here and will be well taken care of for the rest of our lives.”
“The opportunities for spiritual growth and enrichment also contribute to what makes Lanier Village Estates such a special community," she said. "Support is right here whenever we need it. Lanier Village offers us everything we need right here.”
