I recognize Jacquelyn Chappell for being attentive, considerate, and thoughtful in every interaction with my mother and me. Jacquelyn was in my mom’s room regularly and never failed to leave her dry, clean, and comfortably positioned. She admired the small blanket we brought that displayed photos of mom as a wife and mother.
As I arrived one day, I noticed Jacquelyn had written on the whiteboard in mom’s room. As usual mom’s name and date were noted, but something else caught my eye; the outline of a heart with the words “wife and mother” inside it. This brought tears of gratitude to my eyes. When we look at an unresponsive elderly person, we often see only the shell of a once vibrant, beautiful, loving individual. With her simple drawing, Jacquelyn's whiteboard showed everyone who came into the room who my mother had been, and still was, deep in her soul.
This was a gift to me; one I will always cherish. I extend my thanks and appreciation to Jacquelyn for her kindness and compassion to me and my mother. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with mom during her last days.