With Paul as our Guest, ABODE is now a partner in the Compassionate Release Program, which allows federal prisoners to be released for “extraordinary or compelling circumstances.” At age 70, Paul was serving his sentence in Austin when he stopped eating and it became clear his life was drawing to a very quick close.

We welcomed BJ to ABODE in late September. She’s 73 and has had a wonderful entrepreneurial career as owner of a janitorial and pest control service. She’s also a wonderful artist and animal lover. BJ has always lived on her own and is, as you can imagine, fiercely independent. Her cancer, though, has made it impossible for her to live alone any longer.

Milo often helps greet our Guests, just as he did in October when Eddie came to ABODE. Eddie had quite the career, hobnobbing with celebrities even U.S. Presidents in Las Vegas back in the day. He moved to San Antonio a few years ago to be close to his family.

When we welcomed Sandra, 76, to ABODE in late August, she told us that she barely slept the night before because she was so excited to join us – and to hold her daughter, Joy, in her arms for the first time in six long weeks. The facility where Sandra had been did not allow in-person visits.

The very handsome Jack joined us in late September. He’s 92 – a former oil man who managed the accounting function for Tesoro and later, Marathon Oil. He lost his beloved wife earlier this year. His face lights up when he talks about her – they were very happily married 42 years. His children and their spouses love to dote on Jack. And we love to dote on him, too.

Lilia, 90, was with us for a handful of days, as well. She moved to the U.S. on her own when she was just 15, secured citizenship and then helped bring her various family members here, too. Her sister, nieces and nephews described Lilia as busy and energetic. She enjoyed computer classes and exercise programs at the community center – and she had many friends throughout San Antonio. She did so much for so many – we were happy to return the favor and ensure that her death was a peaceful one.

Sometimes Guests come to ABODE and find just the right peace and comfort they need, and they relax and let go very quickly. Such was the case with Jamie. We only had her for a few days in August. During that time, she was surrounded by family and, of course, our amazing ABODE staff.

Guests like Mary, who came to us with Stage 4 endometrial cancer. At age 73, Mary lived alone in San Antonio’s Monte Vista neighborhood. She knew she was dying and didn’t want to be a burden on anyone – especially her nieces, who were busy with their families and careers. But Mary could no longer live alone.