In Memory of Paula and Dick

After moving back home to care for my parents almost a decade ago, my father and mother have passed on in the same year.

They both had very strong feelings about human dignity and the death process. Both spent far too much time in hospitals throughout their lives and did not want to end their time on Earth in a facility. We talked about how they wanted to leave this world and their hopes and fears for that experience.

With the indomitable support of Kate, I made my parents' end of life care my personal mission. They were both able to spend their last years at home surrounded by family and comfort. They had the best food, the best medical care, and the best conditions that we could provide. Mom's Alzheimer's disease made this challenging, but we were not willing to turn over her care to strangers while we were capable of tending to her needs ourselves.

They did not die in a hospital, alone or surrounded by strangers, but at home in the bed where they'd slept every night together. They did not die in fear, but in the hope of reunion with my brother and all of their beloved family who preceded them into the next world. We spared no expense of time, money, or care to see to their well-being and comfort.

The financial, practical, and emotional support we've received from friends and family has been beautiful and we are very grateful. We welcome your memorial support in Dick and Paula's names, and ask that you keep us in your hearts while we rest and mourn.