From Greta: Memories Linger Forever (God Bless)

Memories Linger On Forever by Greta on January 9, 2012 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!