- Being able to attend Batia's service at the funeral home, with her family and friends and some fellow co-workers from the Lieberman Center, helped bring closure to her life and her death. Very often one shows up at Lieberman to hear that "so and so" passed. You don't get to grieve, you don't get to say goodbye. The family who have become part of your Lieberman Family also disappear. Often no chance to say goodbye, I am sorry, we will miss her.
- Batik's two daughters and son came back to Lieberman not only to clean out Batia's room but also spent several hours with residents and staff saying their goodbyes. They came back for the Sunday entertainment in the community room and sat with us. They made sure that the key people in Batia's Lieberman life were informed of her death and of the funeral arrangements.
- Their actions speak to what wonderful people they are, what wonderful children Batia raised. They will all be missed.
- When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'. Erma Bombeck
- This quote was shared by John, Batia's son at her funeral service today. I think it is a very fitting quote to reflect one way of looking at the losses a person with Dementia/ Alzheimer's experiences. In the end, everything is gone, well used, every single bit of talent. And then they move on to go home to their God.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Farewell Batia: Part II
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I think this kind of process is really important, and I don't understand why it's not part and parcel of what happens at the end of life in every long-term care facility.
ReplyDeleteIt was really quite wonderful. I believe that the families are the ones who want to "quickly flea" the facility and do not necessarily see the residents, helpers, and visitors as "family."
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