Highlights
NEWS ABOUT LUTHERAN HOMES OF MICHIGAN AND RELATED SERVICES
FEBRUARY 2002
The following are articles that ran in the above issue of Highlights. Articles in this issue (just click on the article you'd like to see):
- Frankenmuth Resident Celebrates 106th Birthday
- From the Development Desk
- Touching More Lives through
Savior's Grace Home Care
- Lutheran Homes of Michigan Teams Up With
Lutheran Brotherhood
- The Sunshine Wagon Comes to Monroe
Lutheran Home
- Charlie's House: Living at Home With Hospice
Learning to Ask 'What' Instead of 'Why'
When bad things happen in life, the first question we all want to ask is "why?". Why did I miss that job opportunity? Why do I have to get sick? Why did my spouse have to die? In the aging services ministry of Lutheran Homes, we hear many questions from concerned family members when an aging parent, grandparent or spouse loses vitality and strength. Why, after leading such a vibrant life, has frailty taken over?
It's normal to ask "why" when facing these difficulties. But that's when we need to remember God has a purpose for each day He has ordained in the lives of His people. In our ministry, we've learned that instead of asking why - it's better to ask what. What is God doing in and through the life of that frail senior? What lesson is God teaching through illness that I need to learn?
When we turn our question from why to what, God begins to work a miracle in our hearts. We grow in our dependence on Him and we grow in our understanding of His sovereignty. We stretch our capacity to give and receive love -- not just from God -- but those around us. Why is rooted in confusion and bitterness, but what comes from submission and peace.
The care community of Lutheran Homes of Michigan daily rejects the why in the circumstances of our beloved clients, patients, and families. Instead, we ask God to show us the what - to reveal His perfect purpose at work in the lives of His people.
To see how God is at work firsthand, visit a Lutheran Home or become involved in one of our facilities, home care or hospice programs. You'll find it easier to ask what instead of why when it comes to His purpose in your life.
In His Service and Yours,
David M. Gehm, President & CEO
Lutheran Homes of Michigan
Frankenmuth Resident Celebrates 106th Birthday
Hilda Keinath Haubenstricker has lived in Frankenmuth for all of her 106 years. She was born September 9, 1895 on a farm in the rural countryside. On June 9, 1918, she married Ernst Haubenstricker and moved to a farm on Swaffer Road. Hilda and Ernst were blessed with seven children. Ernst passed away on July 27, 1958, but their legacy still continues with 29 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Haubenstricker learned to drive so she could attend German church services and volunteer at The Lutheran Home and The Convalescent Center, now known as The Frankenmuth Care Center. As a volunteer, she shared her love of playing cards with the residents. She was a member of the Frankenmuth Golden Agers Club and the Birch Run Senior Citizens Club.
Now that she has made her home at The Lutheran Home Frankenmuth, her activities include attending Friday afternoon chapel services, listening to church services broadcast over cable TV, bingo, visiting with residents and family. She especially enjoys conversations in German with fellow residents and volunteers. "Ach, du kannst Deutsch sprechen", (Oh, you can speak German) is her well-known phrase.
The Lutheran Home Frankenmuth is honored to have Mrs. Haubenstricker as part of the family. May God continue to bless her with good health, a sharp mind, and much happiness.
In this season of New Year's resolutions, it's a good time to recall a different kind of resolution that a group of Lutherans crafted over a hundred years ago -- to create and maintain a loving and caring place for God's frail, elderly children. That resolution has continued and grown into the Lutheran Homes of Michigan.
Each and every day, Lutheran Home staff members throughout the state, in our nursing homes, assisted living areas, HOME CARE Agency and hospice renew their commitment to that resolution created so many years ago.
Over and above the loving, compassionate care that they provide, the staff and administration of Lutheran Homes strive to be the voice for elderly people across our state and nation. We feel God has called us to help proclaim His love for the elderly.
To continue the work God has called us to, we depend on the support of our generous friends around the state. God has blessed our ministry with compassionate congregations, individuals and organizations. Through your financial support, we are able to exceed the expectations of those we serve and share the good news of God's great love.
Our prayer is that in this season of new beginnings, and throughout the year, you would make a resolution to continually support the ministry of Lutheran Homes of Michigan. There are so many ways you can help. To learn more, please contact Matthew Britton, Development Director, at (248) 685-3120.
Thank you and God's blessings!
Lutheran Homes Touching More Lives
As our mission states, Lutheran Homes of Michigan constantly strives to fulfill the ever-changing needs of those we serve. Over two years ago, we began the Lutheran HOME CARE Agency in the Saginaw Valley area. Today, we proudly offer quality Christian home care services through our partnership in Savior's Grace Home Care.
Savior's Grace is a non-profit home care agency that began serving residents of Wayne and Oakland counties just this year. The organization was created by three individual entities: Lutheran Homes of Michigan, Community Hospice & Home Care Services and Presbyterian Villages of Michigan.
These three entities joined together because of the distinct need for home care services that focus on Christian ideals, and that emphasize the value of caring for physical and spiritual needs.
With our experience and success in the Saginaw Valley, our staff is able to lend a credible hand to the beginning stages of Savior's Grace. The new organization will benefit greatly from the ability to draw on the expertise of Lutheran HOME CARE Agency staff and management.
Savior's Grace will initially focus on skilled nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy services, as well as additional Nurse Aid services. Private Duty services will be added in the near future.
"The opening of Savior's Grace fills a critical need in southeastern Michigan," says David Gehm, president of Lutheran Homes of Michigan - also serving as President of Savior's Grace Home Care. "As our name implies, we have been graced by God in this endeavor and we feel blessed to be able to offer this service to those whose needs are great."
If you or someone you know needs our services, please tell them about our quality Christian care.
Savior's Grace Home Care
32932 Warren Road, Westland, Michigan 48185
Phone 734-425-0541
homecare@saviorsgrace.org
Lutheran Brotherhood Teams Up With Simply Giving
Lutheran Brotherhood has made giving simple through its Simply Giving program for individuals who are also donors to Lutheran Homes of Michigan. By automatically transferring money from your bank account to Lutheran Homes on a monthly or quarterly schedule determined by you, you give more than just your financial gift.
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You make life a little easier for yourself - because you eliminate the need for reminders, envelopes, stamps, and by the assurance of regularly scheduled withdrawals that effortlessly turn into gifts to the clients of Lutheran Homes.
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You make life better for our clients -- because you enable us to know exactly when we can count on the arrival of your gift, making it possible to plan for the future with confidence.
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Your automated gift can be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100 per year - because as a member of Lutheran Brotherhood, the organization will match your gift electronically to Lutheran Homes on either a monthly or quarterly basis.
By taking advantage of this simple method of giving, you will help Lutheran Homes of Michigan to focus on the quality of our programs and services.
To learn more about this convenient opportunity to make your generous donation work harder for Lutheran Homes of Michigan, please contact Matthew Britton, Development Director, at (248) 685-3120 or contact your local Lutheran Brotherhood representative.
Sunshine Wagon Comes to Monroe Lutheran Home
Joann Rinne, Activities Director at the Lutheran Home in Monroe had always wanted to open a store for the residents, but never found the time. When Joann's friend and home-schooling mother Sharon Mullins inquired about a project for her two daughters, Kerry and Katie, The Sunshine Wagon store was born. The girls named the store, designed aprons and made a sign that reads "Needs and Feeds". The girls shop for the merchandise, set it up twice a month, advertise, set prices, give change, and learn about marketing and good customer service. Kerry, the youngest daughter, commented, "we even run specials." Residents can order ahead for frequently used items, but many items are kept on hand. Gift-wrapping is also available for special occasions. Shoppers of The Sunshine Wagon love the service and the friendly store-keepers. Resident Maxine Smith said, "I love this little shop and they even have some free candy."
Charlie's House: Living at Home With Hospice
By L. Renee
The following short story, written by L. Renee,
tells the heart-warming story of a hospice family from the eyes of a
child. Although this story is fictional, it is very typical of the
challenges and emotions that hospice families experience. We hope you
will allow these words to inspire you in the same way that Hospice of
Hope generates hope, relief and comfort.
Life Changed for Charlie . . . Eight years ago Charlie (our dad) and Marni (our mom) bought this beautiful house. They scraped, painted and cleaned so hard that they thought their arms would fall off. Every day they dreamed of how wonderful life would be, especially after their two children, Emily and Eddy (that's us), were born. Life was great and getting better.
Then Dad started having headaches. His eyes got blurry and he dropped things all the time. After lots of visits to many doctors and after having a "gazillion" tests, the doctor said he had cancer in his brain.
Dad and mom couldn't believe it! How could this be happening when everything was so perfect? They were scared. They cried together. Finally, they told their family and friends.
Dad had surgery to try and get rid of the cancer. Then he took some strong medicine and treatments that everyone hoped would cure the cancer. For a little while everything seemed to get better, but then Dad started to feel bad again. When he was in the hospital the doctors told him that he did not have a long time to live, but that they would work very, very hard to keep him comfortable. Dad decided that the thing he wanted to do the most was to go home to be with his family in his big house.
Mom was terrified because she didn't know if she could take care of dad. She very much wanted to take care of dad, but she had never taken care of someone who was so sick.
That's when friends told Mom about hospice. They told her that hospice was a group of people who help families take care of loved one's who are dying at home. Even though mom was still sad and worried, she was very relieved to know that dad would be coming home and that hospice would help all of us take care of him. A home health aid could help with dad's bath. The social worker would be coming to answer mom and dad's questions about all the bills. Even the chaplain would visit and pray with us. Dad wouldn't have to go to the hospital again. Best of all friends could visit and we could see our daddy every day.
At first it seemed like the whole house was upside-down. The first night we could hear mom getting dad his medicine and helping him get to the bathroom all night long. When we got up, dad was sleeping on the couch in the living room and mommy was sleeping in the chair.
The hospice nurse, Jane, came in the morning. Boy were we glad to see her. She helped mom and dad figure out how to give the medicines. She even helped mom decided how to rearrange the furniture!
Together they decided that because it was not safe for dad to go up and down the steps, a hospital bed would be brought downstairs. dad chose to have his bed in the living room so he could be with everyone. The living room furniture was moved into the dining room. All the things that dad needed most were moved into the living room. It seemed kind of like camping out. All the stuff he used every day like his toothbrush, comb, and shaver were right where he needed them. Dad loved it! Now he was in the center of the house where he could see and hear everything that was going on and feel like he was still a part of the family.
Sometimes it bothered dad to see the walker and wheelchair where the couch used to be, but there were lots of things that stayed the same too. His favorite picture of "The Last Supper" still hung on the wall, his Bible was still nearby, and we played beside, under, and on his bed.
Turning the dining room into a den was a very good thing even though the table and chairs had to be stored in the garage. Mom liked to sleep on the couch so she could hear if dad needed anything. It was the perfect spot for dad's sister, Jenny and her husband Steve to stretch out in their sleeping bags when they came to visit. Grandma and Grandpa got to sleep in mom and dad's room when they came to help on the weekends. They needed their rest too, and could sleep right next to our room. We loved to cuddle in their bed when we got scared or lonely.
We were so happy to have our room stay the same. It was important for us to keep our things just the way they were. Mom let us take our toys up to the attic. We had our own special spot to be loud, jump, run and play when dad was napping. When dad was awake we could still snuggle in his bed while mom read a special story. Not everything had changed.
We never knew that we had so many friends! People offered to run errands, drive us to practice and pick us up from school, bring food, and help around the house. Mom said that the most important thing was that everyone spend time with dad. Sometimes the cleaning didn't get done, but no one seemed to care.
Mom used to do lots of crafts, but now she says she's too tired and doesn't have the time. She always went out with her friends for a cup of coffee and to attend her women's Bible class on Wednesday mornings. Dad told us that it was very important for mom that she was able to take a little time for herself. The hospice found a volunteer, Matt, who came to stay with us while mom took a break. We had a great time talking and watching old movies. We also did a special project together. Matt wrote down some stories that dad remembered from when he was a little boy, how he met mom, additional plans he had for our house, and what dreams he had for us. We even had a tape recorder running just to make sure that Matt got it all written down right. We loved listening to the tape and hearing dad talking to us.
Yes, life has changed at our house. How can it be that things can feel good and sad all at the same time? Dad is dying . . . that's so sad. But dad is home . . . that's so good. We can't be home alone together to take care of dad . . . that's sad. But we have help from hospice . . . that's good. We will remain together at home with the support of friends, family, and hospice and live until Dad's body can't live anymore . . . and that's a good thing.