Volunteering

 Spurred by my Aunt's generosity, I decided to do some volunteering at a local food bank.  Kailei has been volunteering a lot as she needs hours for NHS.  She volunteered here before so I thought we could do it together.  We made boxes today.  Lots and lots of boxes. 

 

Aunt Bernice

We are devastated to hear that Aunt Bernice was diagnosed with ALS.  Who could have imagined?! It has been a journey to get to this point, but at least there is now a diagnosis.  She was at the hospital, but wanted to go home when she was told she would probably not walk again.  She was given about 6 months, and we all thought she had more time.  It was 9 days from the time she arrived home.  Mom, Dad and Kevin had planned on going and spending a few weeks in NY to help, but it didn't happen that way.  After talking with Sharon, I decided to get Mom to NY as soon as possible and I'm so glad we did.  

I hope she knew we were there. I know it was important to Mom and it certainly helped bring things to light.  Bernice would not have wanted to live hooked up to machines.  I think she was blessed in that it all went so fast.  

The outpouring of love and the amazing letters were unbelievable.  Such a great person and a loss for us all.  

We are all heartbroken.

And she can drive!

 Yep, she has her driver's license now.  Watch out everyone! Proud of her efforts to make it a reality. Now we just have to find her a car. 

 

Bernice

Heaven

Today was the service for Bernice.  It was a beautiful service and a lovely burial.  She is buried at Sleepy Hollow cemetery and and it was a green burial.  That means that she was not embalmed and is just in a wood box that is biodegradable. The family will pick a rock from the nearby river to engrave a stone.  It is all so very perfect and Bernice would have loved it.