Today was a final farewell to a beloved member of my eldercare community. She came to us reluctantly from independent living with higher health needs then they could manage. Happy hour was the daily norm for her. Bud Light was her favorite. But she adapted to Root Beer Float Socials and a personal happy hour . Bingo was a second favorite, with a call of B11 resulting in her humorous exclamation of “Chicken Legs”. These are the monikers that will come to mind for years to come for many of us.
But what really will linger is her grace. She was one of the few ladies who was gracious with those with memory loss. She assessed the person with a quick look and then embraced them. Not a physical embrace but a social acceptance and validation. And then there are the stories. Stories of a mom willing to drive the boat for the water skiing children–fast and furious. Stories of a youth in PA with her brother swimming in the cricks. Wonderful memories of summers at Lake Tahoe . . . she took us to places we’d never been. She taught us about grace and living life and acceptance of death. Thank you dear lady—you enriched the lives of everyone who knew you.
Too true. Her legacy will not soon be forgotten by those of us who were touched by her life. What more can any of us hope to accomplish in our short time here?
Cate, it is an honor to serve this population with you. You truely have a finger on the pulse of our SLM community.