When Dad was nearing the end of his life and when he died, there were angels everywhere. I want to think about those angels today, and I want to reach out to those angels in the days to come.
First, there were countless health care providers who helped Dad including the CNA's who provided loving, sensitive care for Dad's most basic needs. Beatrice, Pam, Lucienne, B, and so many CNA's and caregivers at Dad's home, Newton Wellesley Hospital and The Elliot Rehabilitation Center went way beyond the call of duty to help Dad with dignity, respect, a sense of humor, and loving care. Those wonderful CNA's also supported the rest of the family and me with comforting words and ready support in situations that were difficult to understand and help out with.
Then there were the cleaners--the people who cleaned his room and environment at Newton Wellesley, Sunrise, and Elliot. Those cleaners kept his environments super clean and welcoming. They also took the time to greet us warmly and sensitively.
Further there were the doctors, nurses, and support staff who did their jobs with sensitivity, knowledge, kindness, and care. At Newton Wellesley, Elliot, and all the medical offices and services prior to the last few months, medical staff used their skill, knowledge, and will to sensitively and respectfully support Dad. We have to continue to support medical skill, knowledge, and service in all ways so that all people get top-notch care and support when they have physical or mental illnesses.
Then there were countless friends and family members who hosted Dad for lunches, visits, and adventures. Neighbors were there to help out when it came to caring for Dad's house and needs. Relatives invited Dad to loving family celebrations and meals. Friends welcomed dad during visits, phone conversations, letters, and cards. There were also many who helped Dad in unexpected times of need--they helped without judgement and with utmost care and concern.
And there were the countless friends and family members who helped Dad's closest family members. They offered us counsel, reprieve, and care as we strove to help Dad live with Alzheimer's which is a disease that can be tremendously stressful and worrisome. There is still lots to learn about this disease and how to best deal with it (or cure it!).
At the very end, Father Tom and The Harborside Hospice Chaplain were true angels leading us up to and through Dad's last breath with beautiful words, loving coaching, wisdom, prayer, and spirituality.
Finally, there are the angels who are helping us get through the final celebrations of Dad's life. There's the funeral home staff who are managing the plans with care, knowledge, sensitivity, and kindness. There are the friends and neighbors who have sent food, flowers, and good wishes to nurture us in so many ways, and there's our closest family members who have been lovingly patient as we focus on the celebration of Dad's good life rather than our daily chores and responsibilities.
There have been angels everywhere as we supported Dad throughout the past few years and now as we prepare to celebrate his life. I am grateful for those angels, and will reach out to them specifically in the days ahead. I also want to be one of those angels for others who suffer in any way as life moves on. Onward.
