Thanks to the two teams from Agrace Hospice.
One team, based in Janesville, helped mom when Hospice service began. Nurse Ellen and Social worker Karen helped us figure out what help we needed and the right tools for mom so she could get around the house on her own.
There were five or six certified nursing assistants who came to the house during the week.
Mom and I agreed that Lydia stood out. When she came to help mom start her day, she sat down with her and talked to her first before gently helping mom to her room to get dressed and ready for the day. It wasn't how much she knew (which was a lot), it was how much she cared. Thanks, Lydia.
Just 45 miles north, we were served by another Agrace team - led by Kate and Kirsten. Since mom was at Oakwood Village receiving care in the Hebron Oaks skilled care facility, we didn't notice the CNA help from Agrace as much, but were comforted by the help and advice from Agrace - especially as the end for mom's earthly life came.
Individually and collectively, from the personal assistants and CNAs at Oakwood to the administrators and unit secretary, it was a wonderful feeling for mom and me to know she was in good hands. The second floor really did become home, in the best sense of the word.
Loving, is how I would described nurse Sarah at Oakwood. She clicked with mom right away. I was there on a couple of mornings when Sarah walked in with smiling and cheerful greeting, "Good Morning, beautiful," she said to mom and received a smile in return. Sarah watched her closely and made mom's last week a good one.
You can see the small. polished stone Agrace gave to my sister and me after mom died. The work of hospice continues after a loved one dies with service and support. We are also blessed with family, friends, and a faith family that are surrounding us with love and support.
Thanks to each and every one.
I also want to thank mom's friends who helped me when I was staying with mom before the move to Oakwood. Corrine, Dawn, and Carol were a frequent present who brought cheer and goodwill. Pastor Decker, Pastor Jim, Pastor Paul, Mary Beth (a Director of Christian Education intern), and Chaplain Martha from Oakwood were all a close and important presence in mom's final days - offering prayer and spiritual support.
Mom relied on her best friend, Jesus, during her life and during the days in the valley of the shadow of death. Her best friend of all.
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