I lost a patient this week. She was really much more than a patient. Her name was Irene. She was the only woman I have ever met from her generation that was a U.S. Marine, which in itself speaks volumes of what kind of a woman she was.
Irene came to us a few years ago, after losing her independence to a debilitating illness. She never complained, and never would take a pain pill, even though she was in obvious pain at times, probably much more often than we were aware. She was so stoic, and would always say she was fine, and always had a smile to offer. When she was fitted with a special wheelchair, early in her stay with us, it opened the door for her to regain some of her independence, and that changed not only her life, but ours.
While many people in her condition would have complained about all that they had lost, Irene was a joy! She became president of our facility's resident council, and she took her job very seriously. She openly welcomed newcommers to our facility, and she did everything she could to facilitate meeting each patient's needs. She would bring up issues large or small that needed to be changed, and actively helped to solve the issues, so that our facility could provide everyone the very best care possible. She was a friend to all, and an advocate for those who could not voice thier needs.
She also took care of the nurses and C.N.A.'s. She would make sure our supplies were well-stocked, asking us frequently if there was anything we needed, then going to the office to get them, and delivering them on the back of her electric wheelchair. She would make sure that some of us who tend to work too much would take time to take a break and would remind us to eat when we tried to work through lunch.
More than that, she was everyone's mother. She had 2 amazing children of her own, and grandchildren, too, that she was very proud of. But she was quick to advise and nurture the rest of us, too. We could always count on her for loving counsel, a listening ear, and care and nurturing (even from those of us who were supposed to be nurturing her!) And when the state surveyors would come into our building to inspect us and perhaps find something wrong, Irene was there as an ever-protective mother hen, letting those surveyors know just who they were dealing with, and no one was going to mess with her "family"!
There is not a person in our facility that was not touched in a major way by this amazing woman. It was a shock to all of us to see her leave us so suddenly. But I am amazed at the grace of God, who was merciful in taking her quickly and painlessly, which is the way I know she would have wanted it. In fact, I am certain that this is exactly what she ordered! I know that God loves her so much more than we can imagine, so he was willing to grant her such a quick transition.
In my experience, it seems that we go through so many emotions when we lose a loved one. Most of all, we are caught up with anger and confusion. When we hear of the death of a "bad" person, we feel a sense of justice. But when someone so "good" passes away, we can't understand it. That's why we have the saying that "only the good die young". But God knows a whole lot more about death and what comes next than we can imagine. I know that Irene loved God, and that means that we will be together again soon. And I can't wait to see her again, with our new glorious bodies, unlike anything we now know, where there is no sickness or pain, where everything is new and perfect. I can't wait to see Irene run through the fields on her new, pain-free legs, or soar through the air, or do whatever it is that we will do then, with an even more abundant joy than we shared together in this life. Until then, Irene, you will be sorely missed.
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One thing I could always count on is being informed. She made sure if I was on vacation,camping, sick or the day off, I was informed of what was going on. She would call "Clausen here" then state her information. I never came back to work blindsided. She knew Monday's were busy with the house MD in doing rounds. She would come by every 30 min or so to see if we had slips to run up front, to the kitchen, needed forms picked up at the desk. The day after she passed was one of those days. I was so lost without my runner. She also made sure I went to lunch. She would come by, give me the look which meant collect my lunch it was time for a break. We lunched together everyday I worked for the past 2 or 3 years. I will not only miss her helpfulness, but her always looking out for me. She kept me sane when things were not. I love you Irene.
Irene was a unique person in our facility. She was keenly interested in the welfare of our residents, particularly those who lived here long term. She was always observant as to ways a resident's life could be bettered.
Serving as president of resident council, shw was in a position to implement improvements, and did so. She was a top notch fundraiser....riding her electric wheelchair in the hallways, sporting a sign for selling raffle chances, or advertising money makers such as baked potato sale... The fact that our facility was able to buy a van to take residents out into the community is due in large part to Irene's work. Her spirit will remain here with us. Her family can well be proud of their Irene. Carol
Irene was a blessing in many ways,My children loved her and miss her very much,She would always ask " how my kids were doing?" and was alway so welcoming when they came in..they loved visiting her as did I...She loved to hear of the new critters that would find thier way to my house..and thought I was crazy for takig them in..She had away, to always make me feel better about who I was...and for that I am greatful to her..my kids wanted me to say" we love and miss you Irene" you will be missed , not forgotten..you have definitly made your mark in this world, as you will in heaven..thanks for being more than a friend....Kathryn
I didn’t get to know Irene as well as some of the staff. However, the first day of training I remember cruising the halls, smiling at everyone she encountered, and constantly joking with anyone that came her way. When I worked my first shift with Irene, I remember being really nervous because I had never worked with a resident that was in her condition. She was very patient with me and even told me that I didn’t have to be so gentle with her; when I approached her with caution she would remark “Come on Ruben use those muscles.”
I remember on one occasion I had students from the skills center helping me get Irene up into her electric chair. After lowering her onto her seat she stated “Don’t forget to put my socks on.” The students glanced at her thighs and quickly looked at me with a blank stare. My mind began to race “Oh no, she probably has some make-shift socks that therapy made and I don’t know where they are.” I took a momentary look at Irene as if expecting her to tell me where they were. Those moments of silence and quick stares were endless and I felt my face becoming increasingly hot. Irene began to laugh as she managed to spill out the words “I was just joking.”
From my experiences with Irene I learned that she loved to make others laugh and sought to make those around her lighten up. Jesus’ character was reflected through Irene.
I was shocked to hear of Irene's passing. No one was prepared for it. She seemed to be doing so well. He spirits were good and she was always happy. Reflecting back over the years, I remember when Irene first came to Cascade Park. She had been bedfast at home for 10 years. I remember thinking how great her spirit was for someone stricken with arthritis so bad. She was cheerful and kind and didn't complain. Irene finally was fitted for an electric wheelchair and her days of being in bed were over. It started out slowly and then progressed to being up everyday and if she wasn't you wandered what was going on. What a positive influence Irene was for the residents that lived and visited Cascade Park Care Center.and the staff. She was a true resident advocate. Irene helped with all of the fund raisers and helped (spearheaded) raising over $10,000. for the resident to enjoy. She sold more cook books than you can imagine.
No one was prepared to say good bye. Good bye Irene, you'll be missed. Remembrance
Jodi Stewart
I was fortunate to have worked with Irene for several years. During these years we became very good friends. Irene had quite a charisma about her. Her personality and humor is defintely worth mentioning.
It's always difficult to reminisce and try to put into words the impressions people make on us. People comment that they feel I am a part of what makes their daily lives happy while they are staying at the nursing home. I feel that Irene was a great driving force for me. She always had words of encouragement, which kept me going even when I suffered from difficult days. Irene also took it as a duty to help me with activities. She'd round up residents and let them know it was time to get active. Then she would stay with me to help motivate and encourage everyone to participate.
Irene truely was an ireplaceable friend. She will always be in my heart and I'll miss her very much. But I am happy that she has found peace. I know she is in the afterlife helping all our friends and family who have also left us. My thoughts and prayers go to her family and all the other lives she touched while she here. I love you Irene!
We at golden chariot adored Irene. We looked forward to seeing her everytime we came through the door. A smile and a greeting each and everytime. She was remarkable.
Cheryl
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