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.

Dustin

Dustin was just 33 and had Cerebral Palsy all his life. While he couldn't communicate verbally, he understood everything we said – and we each formed such a special connection with him.

Suzanne

Suzanne was fiercely independent – she lived alone for most of her adult life. She was a fashion buyer for Dillard’s and had collected a closet full of gorgeous clothes that she gave away or sold. We asked how she felt about that. “It doesn’t matter now," she said. "I thought it would bother me, but it doesn’t.”

Sylvia

Sylvia, 77, came to us with Stage 4 cancer and other ailments, including one of the most heartbreaking wounds we’ve seen.

Joe

Joe and his lovely sister Crystal spent about two weeks at ABODE, reconnecting, telling stories on each other and experiencing the bond that only siblings can share. Crystal even gave him a haircut and beard trim on the porch right outside his room.

Santiago

Santiago, 77, was with us for just one day before he died. Though our time with him was short, we’re honored to have provided a beautiful place for Santiago to spend his final hours, under the contemplative care of our beautiful staff, hospice partners and volunteers.

Anita

Anita was a Marines vet and very sweet and soft spoken. She leaves behind two young adult daughters, quite a few siblings and her mom.

Tommy

Tommy served in the Air Force. Air Force Vet Colonel Hal Smarkola visited the day he arrived, thanking him for his service and presenting him with an American flag. Tommy was 85 and under the care of Christus Hospice.

Eugene

Eugene served in the Air Force and the Navy. Each time we welcome veterans to ABODE, Retired Air Force Colonel Hal Smarkola makes it his mission to help us make them feel right at home. “I don’t even know you, but I love you so much for what you did for our country,” Hal said. “We are a small band of brothers – military people. So many people here thank you.” Eugene, 82, was under the care of Journeys Hospice.

Tim

Tim’s mom spent every night on the couch for the week Tim was with us – she wanted to be with him every second. He died surrounded by his mom, dad, brothers and their wives and his dear, sweet dog Cash, giving him one of the sweetest family farewells we've had here at ABODE.

Brenda

One of our volunteers connected us with Brenda, 71, and we are so thankful. Brenda brought with her a beautiful smile and such great energy.

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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.