The holiday season is once again approaching, with all of its anticipation, memories of years past, and the joy of seeing loved ones again, whether virtually or in person. It is a time when we cherish those among us – and those who have passed. As humans, we don’t like to dwell too much upon mortality. And yet, at JABA, coming to terms with this reality is part of our everyday work with clients. Very often, it’s a beautiful thing.
Meet Elizabeth. She and her husband have attended one of JABA’s Community Senior Centers (CSC) for many years. They have also volunteered through JABA and contributed many acts of kindness to others. Even under the care of her medical team and JABA’s nurses, Elizabeth’s health condition has slowly deteriorated. Despite this, she would gladly take two hours in the morning to prepare herself to be able to spend time with her “JABA family” at the CSC. On her very last day in attendance, she expressed her joy and gratitude to everyone there – members and staff. Her love was a shining beacon of light in that moment.
Elizabeth is now in hospice, and JABA staff are doing everything they can to help her husband cope during this difficult time. It’s easy to look at her story as one of sadness. But, we at JABA see it differently. Elizabeth’s journey to where she is now is a culmination of her life, not merely an approach to the end of it. And JABA has been with her every step of the way, with nutritious meals, exercise and activities, assistance from trained nurses, socialization with her peers, and much more. Your partnership in our work has made this possible.
JABA assists older adults so that they can live with independence, health, and joy for as long as possible. Sometimes achieving this goal is challenging, as in the case of Millie. When her health and other problems became too great, the long-term care facility where she had been living refused her re-admittance back from the hospital. Millie suddenly had nowhere to go. JABA’s ombudsman worked tirelessly to find a place for her. At one point, the only heartbreaking option looked like a palliative care facility where she would no longer receive active treatment for her health condition. Luckily, an alternative was found so she could continue to get the care she needed in the community.
The holidays will look different for a lot of us this year. There will be people missing at the table, across the nation and here in our little hub in central Virginia. All of us will eventually end our earthly journey, so let’s make sure that all enjoy every day along the way, as independently as possible in the community they choose. It’s within our reach. All it takes is working together to provide a safety net of supports for our seniors – information when it’s needed, home-delivered meals, emergency assistance, health services, and much more. Please help us by making a generous gift right now in support of the older adults JABA serves.
As we approach the end of a long, exhausting year, please remember that there is always hope as demonstrated by Millie’s experience and a light that Elizabeth showed us. That light consists of trust, goodwill, love, and a belief in our future together. We ask that you be our partner in this work.
It is so easy to give. You can send a check or provide credit card information using the enclosed envelope. Or please donate securely online – a one-time gift or a sustaining monthly gift that provides us with reliable, regular income. The choice is yours.
The holidays are always a mix of light and dark. Without one, we wouldn’t appreciate the other. Let’s be beacons of light to one another this season – sending love to those of us at the table and those who have stepped away.
Wishing you the best in the upcoming year,
Marta M. Keane
Chief Executive Officer
Year-end giving reminder: a special tax deduction helps most people give up to $600 to charity, even if they don’t itemize
P.S. Because many older adults hesitate to ask for help, it is important for all of us to reach out to our elderly friends, neighbors and loved ones if we suspect that they are in need of assistance. If you need information or resources, call our Senior Helpline at (434) 817-5244. Thank you for caring.