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.
Alicia
Alicia, 68, had a form of blood cancer and grew weaker by the day. Her daughter, son-in-law and two young grandchildren visited her every morning and every evening, and several of our volunteers regularly read the Bible to her in Spanish.
John
An ABODE supporter who is dear friends with John’s mom suggested that he come to us. John was just 54 and leaves behind his beautiful wife and two teenagers.
Will
Will, 97, was among the last of his generation – a World War II Air Force mechanic/gunner who flew on the B-26 Marauder in Europe.
Chanch
Chanch, 88, was our second Guest from Laos! (Remember Kong? He was from Laos, too.)
Fred
We joined the family of Fred, 88, as he left us, having spent just a handful of days at ABODE. Fred was an Army vet and a professional polo player.
David
Our December Luminarias Lighting came at just the right time for David. A few hours after the Luminarias event, he took his last breath, surrounded by his family. It was just the way he wanted it to be.
Janet, Raymond and Linda
Within the past few weeks, we’ve cared for – and said goodbye to – Janet and Raymond. Both Guests were with us for less than a week, and they both died quietly and peacefully. Janet’s son and daughter were by her side when she took her last breath. We then welcomed...
James
James came to us quite unresponsive – in fact, we thought he’d pass quite quickly. His daughter, shown here with him, had prepared herself to say her final goodbye. Yet, a day or so later, he woke up! We just never know how our Guests’ experiences will change from...
Gordon
Gordon came to us after a series of falls that, along with other conditions, led him to his final stretch of life. We cared for him for just a few days until he took his last breath, quietly and peacefully. That’s one of our volunteers, Ed Alderette, sitting with...
Linda
Linda came to us after battling cancer for 8 long and painful years. That’s our wonderful End of Life Navigator Sarah Lee with her. Linda’s husband and daughter spent many hours by her side, reading to her – she loved literature – and focusing on their love for her in...
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.