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Joined: 12/30/2011
Posts: 47
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This afternoon the Long Term Care Facility where my mother lived for the last 4 years of her life held a lovely Memorial Service for the residents who have passed away in the past 3 months. My dear mother passed away on Jan. 19 just a few days after her 91st birthday. She struggled with AD for 10 years. The Care Home printed a keepsake program for all of the families and friends, there were beautiful piano and guitar solos, hymns, Bible readings, prayers and a hopeful and comforting message delivered by the Chaplain. Many staff attended and stayed afterwards during coffee, tea and goodies to pay their respects to the families. It was evident, that they too, personally knew and cared for these people. They shared stories about my mom that I never knew (and my brother and I visited daily!) It meant so much to me and my family! There are so many who struggle with placement of their LOs. I did too! Today, for me, was so affirming to me that this was a good choice for our mother. A lot of the staff at the facility so endearingly called my mother Mama Jean. I know that my mom loved these ladies and they loved her. I love them, too for taking such good care my mom. I am so glad my mother had so many extra daughters! C.
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Joined: 12/15/2011
Posts: 295
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CarllyJean, I'm so glad you were blessed with such a beautiful memorial. I wish more care homes provided such a touching memorial, and I wish more care homes provided the loving care that Mama Jean received. Even after she has already passed away, I read in your post how the outpouring of love by the caregivers ministered to your heart.
How are you doing? I saw your beautiful post on my discussion thread about my mom's passing, and I've been thinking of you. I hope you are surrounded by loving friends and family, that you and your brother have people ready to listen and help.
And I hope you post again soon.
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Joined: 12/30/2011
Posts: 47
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Thank you for your reply. There are not too many on this board. I am doing fine. I am an elementary school teacher and went back to work this week. I had been off for 2 weeks (1 before and 1 after my mom's passing). I am happy enough at school. The children are a great distraction! I do feel especially tired, though. My family are attentive and supportive as are my friends, coworkers and church family. I still feel a bit alone in all of this. She was my mother and I was her only daughter. My husband said to me the other day. "Your mother adored you. You are so blessed!" I am. In so many ways. PS I have a beautiful 16 year old daughter whom I love and adore. I will remember you in my prayers. I would love to hear more of your story. C
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Joined: 12/21/2011
Posts: 95
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Hello - my condolences on your loss. I too lost my Mother Jan. 9th. Our 'favorite' nurse was kind enough to drive over an hour to the visitation. It can't be easy for them either, developing relationships and experiencing death, and so often. I was grateful for their support especially and have received a few cards individually from staff. We were so touched that I wrote a letter of appreciation to the Superintendant and especially pointed out the exceptional work of our favorite nurse. I thought it was a good way of paying tribute to her services for our family, beyond my mere thanks.
I'm glad you have your students to distract you and beautiful daughter and husband. I too have an 18 year old senior daughter and that's been another challenge.
I think we can take comfort in knowing as hard as it was to place them, we did the best we could by them. Nothing is perfect, nor are we certainly 
I hope you're taking good care of yourself these days -
Warmest -
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Joined: 12/16/2011
Posts: 74
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CarllyJean, I'm sorry for your loss. I just lost my mom on Jan. 30th. We are having a celebration for her March 3. I have invited all the hospice nurses that helped me care for my mom. She was on hospice for 2yrs. Made lots of friends in that time and I want to give them a chance to say goodbye.
I'm glad the care home folks did this for your mom and the others that passed away. It sounds like they loved her and thats a wonderful thing to have so many people love our LO
Bless you and take care of yourself. I'm going to try to go to work today.
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