This is the card they handed out at V.L.’s funeral. It has a quote from one of his many motivational speeches.
Click the picture to read my previous post dedicated to V.L.
We Bid Goodbye
To another resident today. He did not pass away, but we could no longer provide the type of care he needed.
I am quite sad.
I became very close with his wife and sister in law. His wife even came to see me in Cabaret!
The devotion I saw between them was so sweet and sad at the same time. She visited him every single day, taking him out for long drives. She was so tender with him.
He had moments of great lucidity where he would talk to me about how they used to go to shows. She told me this one story about after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, how she really couldn’t take him into large crowds for fear of disorienting him. Persons with Alzheimer’s don’t always understand social norms, and often act out physically or verbally. She bought tickets for a show at Theater By The Sea, and brought him. She made certain to grab seats by the aisle in case they needed a quick escape. Before the show she could tell he was uncomfortable, but as soon as the lights went down and the music started, he was entirely entranced by the performance. He sat still and quiet paying attention to each scene that played out on the stage. If that isn’t inspiration enough to keep pursuing performing arts, I don’t know what is.
I remember another time they were standing at my desk, singing together, remembering how they would ballroom dance.
Today I saw him wheeled out on a stretcher, bound for another facility better prepared to attend to his specific needs.
I will miss them both. Goodbye C.M.
Rest in Peace
V.L. I am not permitted to write your name due to HIPAA regulations, but you were a good man with a bright spirit.
You were a football coach and a veteran of the Marine Corps. When I met you, you had Alzheimer’s, but still carried the person you were with you. You’d greet people “hut one, hut two!”, and they’d reply “Hut three, hut four!”.
The loyalty I saw with your loved ones inspires me. There was one woman who was your secretary. When her husband died, you were there for her, incredibly loyal. In turn, she was there for you in your time of need, visiting you every single day. She’d bring you Hershey’s Kisses… which you loved to put into your pockets and forget about.
It’s hard to imagine that I will not see you here any longer, or your children, or your former Secretary. I will not forget.
Hut one, hut two, V.L.
