Guests — ABODE

Each of our Guests is special and unique – though we’ve found common threads in their final days. They often ask: What did my life represent? Did I say everything I wanted to say? Did I love well? Was I loved?

Our contemplative approach to care comes into play as Guests ponder those questions. We have honed a sixth sense about nuanced changes, needs, when to engage, when to pull back and when to simply be present – because sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is simply be. ABODE is a place where Guests can find peace before they die. And we honor and celebrate them every step of the way.

Miller

Miller, 73, was an Air Force Veteran and much loved by his family and friends who remember his sense of humor and love for pranks.

Alan

Alan, 50, was with us for just two days, under the care of Embrace Hospice. Here, he’s visited by our Board Member Kathryn Eggerss, Nurse Care Manager at H-E-B. Alan, a Veteran, had worked in H-E-B’s Pharmacy Services.

Jane

Jane, 74, came to us under the wonderful care of the Christus Hospice team. Jane had worked as the receptionist in her brother’s dental office – coincidentally, Volunteer Susan Moreno’s dentist! We’re starting to see these kinds of connections more and more.

Charlotte

Charlotte, 79, was one of those folks who never met a stranger, and she always chuckled as she shared her many adventures of her life. Charlotte came to us under the care of Christus Hospice.

Gary

Gary, 81, came to us because his wife Jenn loves ABODE and very much wanted him to be here when he died. The timing worked beautifully, and we were able to care for him in partnership with Trinity Hospice.

Martha

Martha’s is a full circle story that will remain with us always. Her brother Larry died at ABODE, and that experience inspired Martha to join us as an End of Life Navigator for a few years, caring for many, many Guests here.

Mary

Mary, 94, was pretty far along in her journey when she arrived at ABODE. In fact, she was with us for just a few days – just enough time for the lovely Threshold Singers to serenade her as she slept.

Craig

Craig, 70, came to us under the care of Embrace Hospice, and had quite a few ailments. It took him several days to feel completely at home here – and once he did, we could see that he’d found the peace he needed.

Holding These Folks in Light, As Well

We've had several other Guests who arrived and died within days. In recent months, we’ve been honored to care for Adriana, Dale, Enrique, Eric, Jose, Kat, Larry, Mary, Michael, Robert, Santiago, Ted and Violet.

Phyllis

It’s always such a treat to have Harpist/Music Thanatologist Deborah Marshall play for our Guests. Deborah stopped by ABODE to play for Phyllis in our Green Room.

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“If you want to help those most in need to die with love, care and dignity, support ABODE. This is a place where God dwells.”

John Calhoun Wells

“ABODE is a place of angels. Some of the most beautiful and caring people I know!”

Sheila Korte

“We would walk in and someone was always sitting with her and holding her hand. They wanted her to know she wasn’t alone.”

Norma Rodriguez

“When the time came for my mom to go, they grieved with us. Everything about this place is perfect.”

Victoria Van Winkle

“I so wish you all had more rooms or there were more homes like this in San Antonio.”

Tracie Marie

“At ABODE, I witnessed God’s demonstration of true compassionate patience. The caregivers here are incredible.”

Linda Mitchell

“Thank you for making my family part of your family in our time of sorrow. We are healing as time passes by.”

Erlinda Amador

“ABODE’s backyard is filled with such spiritual features. It’s a true place of stillness and peace.”

Jill Phelps

“ABODE is a safe and welcoming space where love and peace abide, lighting the way for each Guest to make their journey.”

Melanie Sue

“I’ve been doing this work a long time. I’ve learned more about dying from all of you than I learned in all my years of nursing. This is an extraordinary place.”

“I can’t find the words to express how the staff and volunteers took care of my husband. A marvelous experience – I learned more from ABODE than I have anywhere else about compassion and caring.”

“It is like a park here. So beautiful. I love everything here. I love everyone here. Thank you. Thank you for taking care of me.”

Our Veterans

About 5 percent of our Guests are veterans representing all branches of the military. We are grateful to the Jewish War Veterans for their continued support of ABODE and our Veteran Guests.

We’re especially honored when we care for Guests who served in our military. We place a flag representing their military branch outside their room. And Retired Air Force Col. Hal Smarkola makes it his mission to salute every vet who comes to ABODE.