Expressions of Love with Gratitude for All You Do

 Happy Belated Thanksgiving! We are grateful for all you make possible - every day - at Angels' Place.

For some, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are the starter's pistol bang to start spending. 

There is some dispute about how the tradition started. Some believe it originated as a pagan custom of feasting, partying, and gift-giving during what is now December. Others believe it is embedded in Christianity through the gifts of the Magi to Jesus. Others believe it was influenced by the life of Nikolaos of Myra, a 4th-century saint who was famed for his fondness of giving people gifts.

Regardless of the origin, I've come to appreciate that it is not about the exchange of physical packages, but more about the intended expression of love.

In that spirit, we share with you some of the gifts of the women and men of Angels' Place.

The Gift of Affection

For many of our residents, especially those who have restricted or limited vocal skills, a hug is a primary form of communication. If love could be wrapped with a bow, their arms would be the ribbon. Recently, Tim, Marc C., and Brian have added this expression to their routine; it has always been a strength of Maggie, Betsy, Lenny, and many others.

The Gift of Enthusiasm

Some people are afraid to express their enthusiasm – for fear of being judged as frivolous. For us, enthusiasm is seen as strength. The enthusiasm might be seen along with a baseball bat and a ball on Miracle League Monday (Carol, Pat, Mike, and Mary Beth come to mind). Sometimes it is present in a smile (Bill, Moira, and Verne come to mind). In others, it’s a shout-out of greeting (Katie and Jason come to mind). A fist bump. A whoop. A wave. In Charlotte’s case, it is her unbridled enthusiasm about the shininess of her shoes. When a famous football coach referenced “an enthusiasm unknown to mankind”, he must have been referencing to the gift of enthusiasm shared by our residents.

The Gift of Joy

There is a picture, taken in June of 2023, of Sr. JoAnn and Michele Sepanske. They are sitting on the front porch at the Lopez Home, smiling and reminiscing of their good times together. When the photo was taken, Michele’s health had already begun to deteriorate, but the visit brought joy to both ladies. Michele and Sister JoAnn’s life together goes back many years to Our Lady of Providence and continued for the twenty-three years at Angels’ Place. Michele passed away recently at the age of 54. Through the sadness, we recall the past moments of joy.

The Gift of Selflessness

Recently, four Angels’ Place residents and the parents of two residents have died. Two other residents are currently in hospice care, and others are experiencing the significant effects of aging. Unlike other careers with superficial relationships, the suffering, especially the deaths, takes a toll on the organization. In our case, the caregivers have very personal, multi-year relationships with these people. And yet, they suppress their own grief to turn their attention back to the surviving residents who need their care.

The Gift of Life

Joe of our Linwood Home passed away on October 22 at the age of 57. Because Joe chose to participate as an organ donor, he was provided with an “honor walk” at Beaumont. It is beautiful that someone perceived to be the most vulnerable among us gave everything he had up to the very end and left our world with the applause of those perceived as the greatest among us.

The Gift of Energy

For this year’s “It’s a Miracle” Dinner, the residents chose to sing the famous song “Stand By Me.” Singers and signers — like Tom, Joanna, Theresa, Gwen, and Tim — offered the message with love. Their invitation to stand with them was an inspiration to everyone.

The Gift of Peace

In the last year, Tara moved into the Grimaldi Home, Johnny moved into the Mahon Home, Bob moved into the Rogulski Home, Danny moved into the Maxwell Home, and Diana moved into the Grimaldi Home. These transitions usually begin with some level of fear and uncertainty. But, imagine the eventual peace for their guardians — in the knowledge that these five people will be part of our lives for the rest of their life.

The Gift of Gratitude

Lennie has been a resident at the Holy Family Home for 24 years. He was born with cerebral palsy, survived multiple myeloma, and now struggles with arthritis. And yet, he always asks the staff how can he express his gratitude to volunteers and donors of Angels’ Place. He says: “I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. We couldn’t make it without you.”

All of our residents and staff have their own unique ways to express their love. We hope these memories are among the most valuable gifts you will receive this Christmas.

Thanks for all that you make possible in our lives.










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