Published date: May 22, 2025
Family routines help everyone feel closer, healthier, and more supported.
A 50-year study from the American Psychological Association finds that family rituals can build bonds during life’s lows and highs.
Sunday Routines in NOVA: Gabriel Homes Edition
John, a resident at Gabriel Homes, sees his dad Mark and mom Ellen for their Sunday routines in NOVA from September to March. Their timeline is unchanged, having spent a lifetime of Sundays together, usually dining and bowling. John competed in Special Olympics bowling over 20 years ago, but the league he was in disbanded.
“All of the athletes and parents wanted to keep bowling, so we formed our own league,” Mark said. “Years later, roughly 30 families come to the same alley and play in family bowling every week.”
Before making their way to the lanes, John and Mark stop at the public library. John takes advantage of his membership by checking out DVDs he wants to watch. Shows like “Arthur” and Disney movies regularly play on TV.
“My favorite movie right now is ‘The Lion King. Timon and Pumbaa are funny characters, and the songs and music are amazing.”
John (center) had a safari theme for his birthday in January. Residents wore animal masks similar to many of the characters seen in “The Lion King.”
After going to the library, the family eats quick lunches at McDonald’s. John prefers the Big Mac, fries, and soda, but he also enjoys other sandwiches like the Filet-O-Fish. Lunches give the family the energy they need before they bowl.
Everyone in the family bowling league has a connection to the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community. The parents and bowlers have been friends for decades by playing together. John shares his lane with the same group of athletes.
John bowls underhanded using both hands. Lined at the center of the lane, John rolls the ball between his legs. Mark says John’s average is up 20 points from when he first bowled in the Special Olympics.
“Ellen and I made John a custom ball. The ball doesn’t have holes so John can roll it easily. He walks back smiling when he gets strikes and spares.”
After bowling, the family finishes their visits at one of their favorite restaurants in Falls Church, Ireland’s Four Provinces. The family has gone to the restaurant for decades since it’s close to Mark’s home. John is familiar and comfortable with the staff. The head bartender knows John well enough to serve him orange sodas at the bar. The restaurant and bar food’s simple pleasures help make their Sundays complete.
