Hello everyone,
What an unbelievable summer for all of us. In Bexar County, we’re now at 45,488 total COVID-19 cases and 741 deaths. When I wrote to you last month, we were at 20,213 cases and 195 deaths. Again, a pretty incredible jump – especially in the number of those who have died. Our hearts go out to anyone affected by this pandemic.
At ABODE, we’ve well prepared ourselves for new ways of working – following our COVID-19 protocols, wearing our PPE, regularly washing our hands, social distancing, cleaning and scrubbing and feeling the rewards of the beautiful work we do for those at the end of life.
WE’VE WELCOMED OUR SIXTH GUEST
Since we reopened last month, we’ve welcomed six Guests – Gloria (73), Mark (59), Robert (88), Jewel (70), Jamie (92) and Sandra (76). Most all have come to us with various types of cancer. Some were with us for just a few days, others for a few weeks – and we’ve been caring for Robert just over a month.
We think of Robert as our strong, silent type – he didn’t chat much with us when he arrived, though we did manage to get a chuckle out of him every now and then. He’s in his very final days now. The Threshold Singers serenaded him from his patio last Saturday morning to the sounds of a sweet rainstorm. It was an absolutely beautiful and moving experience.
Sandra arrived at ABODE yesterday. She said 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 weeks. The facility where Sandra had been did not allow in-person visits. When the two reunited, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Welcome back to each other, Sandra and Joy.
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more Guest updates. And you’ll be receiving our print newsletter in the mail shortly. It, too, features stories about Guests we’ve been so honored to care for, including Mark. His story, in particular, will touch your heart as deeply as it has touched ours.
ABODE ACADEMY RECORDINGS
Just three sessions remain in our inaugural 8-week ABODE Academy. If you’ve missed any or want to revisit a few, you’ll find them here. They’re also on our YouTube channel . Part of our mission is to teach the art of contemplative living and dying. This program is one of many ways we do that – and we’re already planning our next round of topics. If you have suggestions that you’d like for us to cover, please let us know.
AND THE BIG GIVE A LITTLE MORE
San Antonio’s Big Give returns Thursday, Sept. 10, so if you didn’t have a chance to participate earlier this year, or if you’d like to Big Give a Little More (see what we did there?), here’s your chance. From midnight to midnight on Sept. 10, please visit our ABODE Big Give page . Or you can write a check with Big Give noted in the memo line – that counts, too, with no processing fee. Just mail it to ABODE, PO Box 47640, San Antonio, TX 78265.
And look-y here: Give $100 or more and you’ll receive our limited edition ABODE Fiesta Medal (while supplies last), sponsored by Jennifer Scroggins of Platinum Wealth Solutions of Texas. With the cancellation of this year’s Fiesta, these medals are already a collector’s item!
LET US HEAR FROM YOU
Interested in getting more involved at ABODE? Please reach out – we’d love to hear from you. And please stay safe. We’re thinking of you all.
Mary Thorsby
Executive Director
415-271-4974
mary@abodehome.org
Tax ID #27-3691295
PS: Our summer months are always the trickiest for funding. If you can help us, please donate here. And consider joining our Householders by giving a monthly donation. We appreciate!