For the past 6 months, I, along with my loving husband and 3 wonderful children, had the honor of caring for my father, Sherman Marcus on the final leg of his life journey. Alzheimer’s Disease is difficult, but we all made the best of it each and every day, spending quality time with him, smiling and keeping a positive attitude. Dad was surrounded by much love and given the dignity he deserved until his last breath at 12:30 AM on January 8th in my home. He died peacefully having said good-bye, in his own way, to each and every one of us before he passed. The Hospice Chaplain told me most patients somehow pulled through the holidays as they felt the excitement in the air. Dad did that as well as wait for my brother and mother to arrive to say their good-byes before parting from this life as we know it.
Caring for someone as they are approaching the end of their life, naturally, is a lot of work, but work worth doing. My husband, children, friends, dad’s sitters (R.I.P. Dora), healthcare workers, along with the the Hospice team all contributed and showed my father true kindness, never forgetting that he was a person that demanded their respect until the end. It was gift, a gift to all of us as he warmed our hearts and touched our souls with his smile, charismatic personality and good-nature. Life goes on for all whose lives my Dad has touched…with the wonderful memories he allowed us to make with him along his journey through life. He will live on in all our hearts and minds as memories linger on forever.
Thank you Dad for the final gift you bestowed upon my family. We were truly honored to be able to spend this time with you and have all become better people because of you!
Final details: A service will take place at the Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington St, Canton, MA on Wednesday Jan. 11th at 10 AM. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be donated to the Hilltop Humane Society, POB 553, Randolph, MA, 02368 (dad was a huge cat lover and spent a lot of time there). I will attend and represent my family and those in Louisiana whose lives he touched. My children are planning their own service here to honor his memory in their own creative way and will give me pebbles to place along his grave as is a Jewish custom.
Thank you all who have followed along and for all your thoughts and prayers along the way and for those who allowed Dad into your life. It truly gave me more strength than you will ever know! I am truly blessed. Please do not feel sorry for my loss as I have only gained!
Hugs and blessings to you and your family.
Greta, I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve read each chapter of your story, all of which were beautifully written. Best to you and your family.
Greta, dear, I am so sorry for your loss, but at the same time I am so glad you were able to spend the last few months with your father, I know he was so happy with you. You and your family are in my prayers.
I’m sorry, Greta. Prayers going out for you and yours.
Awww Greta.. I’m sorry. ((((HUGS))) My prayers and love.
Oh Greta, you have my deepest condolences. Much love and good thoughts are with your entire family as you travel this path. As you know, you’re not alone.
Hugs, lots of hugs, sweetheart…to all.
Been here, done this, so I think I’ll go a different way…
I am *so* glad I got to see Boston through Sherm’s eyes, and got a different take on the city through his tales of a different (yet similar) Boston as he drove us through and around.
That was a glorious day, and one that sticks with us both strongly.
Go get ’em Sherm! There’s lots of catching up to do with the ones who paved the way and are waiting for you!
Greta – pick up a pebble in Boston if you can, and leave it for Beth and I.
dear greta… thank you for sharing your dad and this impossibly crazy-hard, poignant, yet undeniably charming journey you’ve been on with your beloved dad for the last 6 months. you did your dad and your mom proud. you are an amazing woman.
oh G… there’s so much I want to say. I’m going to have to wait till I can compose myself. I know you understand.
xo
Your dad sounds like such an awesome guy, I know he was truly a blessing to you and your family. And you, my dear friend, and your family are truly a blessing to him in turn! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I lost an aunt to Alzheimer’s but never really knew anything about it until your blog posts.
We made a donation in memory of your dad to the HHS and will be praying for you and yourn. Love and peace to you, sweetie!
Nicki
Greta,
My condolences to you and your family.
Greta,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your journey – Kate described it beautifully above… Safe journey. Hope you feel the virtual hugs we all send to you.
I am so sorry Greta. Hugs and condolences to you and your family while you go through this. Praying for you here in NC.
My sympathies to you and your family, Greta. I KNOW he was surrounded by love and KNEW it. If I can be of any help to you, you know you can call me. Love, hon.
I am in awe of your family’s strength. My condolences on your father’s passing. What an honor to help him into the next life.
Hugs & kisses.
Jen
He was as blessed to have you as you were to have him. Hugs, friend.
Aloha Greta,
I don’t believe we have ever met, but your father and mine spent many years together, and played many gigs together. Sherm, (or as he was called “The Colonel”) was a large part of my youth, and one of the sweetest, nicest men I have known. I also remember him as being very funny, and some of my favorite memories are of the gigs I used to go on with my dad, that your father was leading. He always treated me, not as a child, but as someone to be included and respected, and I can see him in my mind now, trumpet in hand, tuxedo on, hair perfectly groomed…playing the music, but also enjoying private jokes and asides with the other musicians…all of whom loved and respected him.
After my Dad passed, and I moved away, I never saw him again, but I frequently thought of him, and what a true mensch he was. Accept my condolences, and I will be going back and reading your blog…it will be inspiring reading, I am sure.
Greta–I can’t believe our journeys ended so close together! Thanks for being there for me as well as for your father with your insight and humor. I know you know you did a great job with him–and I know you’ll miss him. I’ll be thinking of you……….
Greta, I feel humbled by your grace, character, and strength. Would that everyone could leave this lifetime surrounded by such love. Thank you for sharing this life lesson by example. Keeping you and your loved ones in my thoughts — xok.