Just 3 weeks shy of her 102nd birthday, Helen Taylor Terrill died peacefully, with her daughter Frances by her side.

The end was a little chaotic - at least the 2 weeks before.  She became dehydrated, developed a couple of fierce infections, and had a brief hospital stay.  We took her back to the Gardens, with Hospice support.  Frances came in from Utah, and took over the  night duty.  Karen showed up too - and we spelled one another.

But it didn't take long.  Helen soon could not swallow, and the infections did their work.  She was feisty till the last couple of days - but we finally felt a peaceful spirit come, and the end was soon after that.

Helen lived a long and fruitful life.  She was always serving others, and she had great faith. It is sad in some respects that her waning years were complicated by dementia, but those of us who cared for her learned some important lessons - not the least of which is that we all need one another - and we need to let others care for and serve us too.

Her services are Saturday at 12 at the Monrovia Building. I will certainly report again after that.

The New "Home, Sweet, Home!"

Grandma's new home looks a lot like her old one!!  We were pleased that the Arcadia Gardens allows you to decorate to your heart's content!

She brought in her own furnishings, but liked their chair better than her old one - so she kept it!

The room is very spacious and airy.  A nice place to come and visit!

Rhoda's regular visits always bring a smile to Grandma's face!!  They seem to communicate on a very basic level!!

Today was Grandma's first day - she had lunch with Frances, me, and Morgan.  Harry joined her for dinner.  For a few days, we will have her old caregivers come in to help with the transition.  But her new caregivers are loving and kind and have come in to get acquainted.

It will be an adjustment, but it will be one that will provide the care and attention that Helen is in need of now.  In the meantime, calls and cards are welcome - although the calls can't start until Saturday, when the phone is installed.  We tried to save her old phone number, but it couldn't be done! If you want her new address and phone number send me an email!

THe weekly news report!!

Last Sunday, Helen fell again and spent the afternoon at the ER.  She then went to a rehab facility in Glendora until Thursday, when Harry and Frances brought her home.  (Frances arrived Monday night.)

Grandma is in pretty good shape, considering everything.  She is in pain from her previous falls.  But she is getting by on fewer meds, so the dizziness has abated somewhat.  She was not eating well at first, but is eating better now, and getting back her strength.  

But it will be a process.  She is getting support from Hospice.  She has friends from her ward who have come by to check up on her.  Frances is there and so is Susanne when she is not at work.  She has helpers who come on certain days, and Harry has engaged another one.  

She has had visits from family members and others.  Harry pointed out that she usually smiles when she has visitors!

Tonight we had dinner together - well, Frances, Harry, and I did - and Helen enjoyed her dinner later.

More updates as they come - prayers and cards are welcome - and visits too, if you are in the area.  Calling ahead is a good idea.

We love you Grandma Helen!!