11/15/2025
My Big Great Riverstone Adventure
By FACETS Director James Colquitt
Today, I set off on what can only be described as a full-scale FACETS adventure: a Director swap between me and Grand Living at Riverstoneās own Jessica Hill. What began as one of my classic āHeyā¦ what if we tried THIS?ā ideas somehow transformed into an actual scheduled event, which, letās be honest, was already a victory worth celebrating. Coordinating anything across campuses feels like winning a gold medal in synchronized swimming. Blindfolded.
I pulled into Sugar Land with nerves so loud they needed their own nametag. But the second I stepped through Riverstoneās doors, p**f; gone. The residents, the staff, the energy, all of it immediately made me feel welcome.
A huge shoutout to FACETS Assistant Ariel, who (yes, everyone, he is a he) made me feel right at home and handled so much of the heavy lifting that I was free to jump into the adventure headfirst, energized and excited.
And I didnāt travel alone. My friend and talented country musician Tucker Hart joined me and performed a beautiful and soul-stirring set for the residents. His rendition of āInto the Mysticā might be one of my favorite Grand Living moments ever. The way his voice filled the room, the way the residents joined in, the way the air almost shimmered, for a moment, I swear I felt like I was floating. Thank you, Tucker, for adding pure magic to the day.
Then came the residents and what a cast of characters they are. I had the joy of leading Who Am I and The Verdict, and I met unforgettable personalities at every turn.
ā¢ Ms. Carol became my unofficial spokesperson, tour guide, and hype woman, introducing me to everyone faster than I could keep up.
ā¢ Mr. Tony kept me grounded with one-liners so sharp I realized I need to seriously up my game. The man is a comedic weapon.
And then there was Shayda Landi, Riverstoneās fabulous Fitness Director, who was incredibly kind and welcoming. Shayda, I have a confession: when I said I liked soccer, I lied. I do not. I find watching grass grow more exciting. Please donāt ban me from the fitness center.
But beneath all the laughter, the jokes, and the joyful chaos, something meaningful settled in:
What makes Grand Living special isnāt the building. Itās the culture. The people. The heartbeat. And that heartbeat is the same no matter which Grand Living you walk into.
My Big Great Riverstone Adventure reminded me that we are all part of a bigger family, one that embraces, encourages, and uplifts, no matter the location.
Now Iām ready to return home to Tuscan Lakes and back to my residents, my team, my routines, and, of course, my beloved shenanigans.
Before I sign off, I invite everyone to take a look through the pictures Iāve shared from my day at Riverstone, little snapshots of an experience Iāll never forget. And stay tunedā¦ Iām sure Jessica will be sharing her adventures at Tuscan Lakes soon, and I canāt wait to see what she has to say!
A final thank-you to my Executive Director, LT, for not only approving this wild idea, but for encouraging every creative spark that leaps out of my brain.
āAnd together we will float into the mystic.ā
