We Care: Caregiver Grant Provides Rest & Rejuvenation to a Grieving Daughter
Michelle M. was always an attentive daughter who called and visited her dad, Henry, weekly at his assisted-living facility. In his 80s, Henry was a happy-go-lucky man who was fondly considered “The Mayor” of the facility. He and Jessie, his companion, were inseparable. Sadly, these good times did not last long enough. Life became much more difficult for Michelle as she worked at a full-time job in sales and, at the same time, became more involved in her dad’s daily care as his health declined.
When her dad lost Jessie, Michelle began visiting more frequently. “Without Jessie, he became depressed and soon after was diagnosed with liver cancer,” says Michelle. “He seemed to decline so fast, and he required more care than the facility could provide.” Michelle would slip away and check in on Henry three times a week and on the weekends.
“I pushed for him to start chemotherapy, because he was so vibrant,” says Michelle. Unfortunately, Henry did not respond well. Michelle reluctantly accepted her dad’s decision to stop chemotherapy, and considering his quality of life and prognosis, he was placed in hospice.
“I could no longer keep up the charade at work and care for my dying father,” says Michelle. “I used the Family and Medical Leave Act and devoted myself to his last days, sleeping on a cot in his room to be by his side.” Henry died peacefully within six months of his diagnosis after falling and slipping into a coma. “I’m grateful I had the chance to be there for him,” says Michelle.
As she grieved for her father, another realization hit Michelle — she was desperately in need of respite.
A friend recommended Road Scholar, and after learning about Caregiver Grants, Michelle applied and was awarded the learning adventure, History and Ecology: Okefenokee Swamp, Amelia & Cumberland Islands.
“I chose this Road Scholar trip to Florida with my dear friend, Freddrika, because my father would say that the sun and water have healing properties,” says Michelle.
Michelle learned about the Native people, pirates, industrialists, enslaved African Americans and missionaries who added to the rich history of Amelia and Cumberland Islands over the years. She searched for birds – more than 300 species call this region home – and spotted wild horses that had been brought to the island generations earlier. She met fellow Road Scholars who shared her wonder as they explored the rich waters of the Okefenokee, and they bonded as they learned each other’s stories. She especially appreciated Peggy Benton, their expert Group Leader.
So inspired by Cumberland Island, Michelle read “Untamed,” a book about biologist Carol Ruckdeschel, who still lives on the island. “By coincidence, Carol happened to be on the island’s south end the day we were visiting,” says Michelle.
Surrounded by pristine nature, maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and sweeping marshes, Michelle found the healing properties of the saltwater and sun restorative in so many ways, just like her father had always said. “Thank you to Road Scholar for making the Caregiver Grant available. It has brought me peace and joy,” she says.
If you or someone you know would benefit from the rejuvenation that a Road Scholar Caregiver Grant offers, we invite you to learn more about our Caregiver Grants. If you would like to donate or endow a Named Caregiver Grant Fund, please visit our website or call us at (877) 737-0664.