By Chelsea Blair
In May 2022, Lewisburg resident Jerry Laufer married the love of his life, Marianne Richardson, at the Brian Center in Fincastle. During their 35 years together, Marianne fought many life-threatening illnesses but lost her battle just three years after their marriage. Jerry and Marianne often visited Hilton Head, South Carolina, to spend time with a friend who had given him a tour of Latitude Margaritaville, a retirement community in Hilton Head. After Marianne’s passing, Jerry decided he needed a change of scenery in hopes of mending the depression he was experiencing while starting over in life. Jerry was set to arrive at Margaritaville on September 1 but did not arrive until September 5. Later, he learned that Jimmy Buffett had passed away on the day he was supposed to arrive.
While in Margaritaville, Jerry attended grief support groups, art classes, block parties, social gatherings, and other entertainment activities to better cope with his grief. He enjoyed the spectacular scenery so much that he decided to stay four months instead of the originally planned one-month visit. Jerry later competed in an essay contest held by Margaritaville with the topic “Margaritaville Is…” After submitting his essay, Jerry received a call from the contest judge stating he was a finalist. When he arrived at the ceremony, he was informed that he had won first place, receiving a unique Jimmy Buffett themed trophy and a gift card as a reward.
Although nothing could fully fill the void in his heart, visiting Margaritaville was life-changing for Jerry. He believes everyone should go out and enjoy life, spending time with those who have faced similar challenges in order to heal and move forward.