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.
Carlos
Carlos was with us a very short time. That’s his lovely wife Terry lighting our Tree of Life in his honor. Carlos completed his journey soon after.
Harold
Harold, 61, was living in Lubbock and had driven to San Antonio to spend the holidays with his soon-to-be ex-wife and her boyfriend.
Wilma
We’re happy to have Wilma with us – with regular visits from her daughter Cindy and furbaby Bridget. Wilma spent her career as a bank teller – and she enjoys tiny beadwork. She’s currently in our Peach Room and loves to have visitors, so please feel free to stop by...
Tom
Tom, 61, was quite far along with cancer when he joined us. His wife, Mary, heard about ABODE through friends of Ken – and she’s the cousin of another Guest we cared for in 2020 – Ruth.
Janet
We didn’t know much about Janet, 70, when she came to us except that she had a very interesting career as an attorney. While she was unable to communicate with us verbally, we made sure she felt safe, valued and loved at every step of her journey. Janet was our 260th...
Yolanda
Yolanda was a very tiny woman with the cruelest case of cancer that we’ve seen at ABODE for quite some time. We kept her pain under control and tended to quite a large wound several times a day.
James
In January, we received this email: “We have a gentleman friend, James, who visits our parish (St. Anthony the Great Eastern Orthodox) who has been homeless for a while.
Ken
Ken, 88, was Retired Army Colonel, and so well-loved by his family and friends. He received regular visits from them all, and from ABODE supporter Hal Smarkola – a Retired Air Force Colonel.
Renee
Sometimes folks come to us looking quite lively, and then they die the very next day. Such was the case with Renee, 68.
Genevieve and Evangelina
Genevieve, 89, and Evangelina, 71, arrived at ABODE around the same time. Two lovely spirits of two lovely women…and a special gentleman who helped walk them both home.
Our Veterans
About 5 percent of our Guests are veterans. All branches of the service have been represented. We are grateful to Herschel Sheines and the Jewish War Veterans for their continued support of ABODE and our Veteran Guests.
We’re always especially honored when we can care for Guests who served in our military. In fact, we always place a flag representing their military branch outside their room.