My dear brother recently died in a hospice facility where he spent the last four days of his life. He had advanced Alzheimer’s disease and spent the last year in a memory unit that offered him safety but not love, food but not compassion. He was placed far away from me so it was difficult to visit him.
It is nice to read Belinda’s story that she spent time being cared for but could also share her story around loved ones. Also to hear of her acceptance even embrace of that which was killing her.
I wish more be of our elders could be cared for in this way and not shuffled off for convenience.
How can we change this in a culture that does support those who are journeying differently?
1 REPLY
Vedastus Lazaro kullayaSep 23, 2026
I’m deeply touched by what you shared about your brother. I’m sorry that his final years were marked by safety and care, but not enough of the love and compassion he deserved.
Your words also remind me that care is much more than providing food, shelter, or medical support. It is about seeing the person, listening to them, staying close, and helping them feel that they still belong.
Perhaps change begins with small acts of presence and compassion in our families and communities. When we choose not to look away from those who are aging, suffering, or journeying differently, we begin to create the culture of care that we hope to see.
Thank you for sharing this. Your brother’s story is an important reminder that every person deserves to be cared for not only safely, but also with love and dignity.
ORIGINAL COMMENT
It is nice to read Belinda’s story that she spent time being cared for but could also share her story around loved ones. Also to hear of her acceptance even embrace of that which was killing her.
I wish more be of our elders could be cared for in this way and not shuffled off for convenience.
How can we change this in a culture that does support those who are journeying differently?
1 REPLY
Your words also remind me that care is much more than providing food, shelter, or medical support. It is about seeing the person, listening to them, staying close, and helping them feel that they still belong.
Perhaps change begins with small acts of presence and compassion in our families and communities. When we choose not to look away from those who are aging, suffering, or journeying differently, we begin to create the culture of care that we hope to see.
Thank you for sharing this. Your brother’s story is an important reminder that every person deserves to be cared for not only safely, but also with love and dignity.