Caregiver tip: Take your 'energy temperature'
May 6, 2024
The Egg: Mary's Story, as told by her daughter Meg
My mother, now a resident of 
Marjorie P. Lee, may struggle to remember something we spoke about a few minutes ago, but what she doesrecall with absolute clarity is the summer of 1958. As part
of her college's effort to heal human relations post WWII, she participated in a service trip to Germany at a camp for troubled boys. She recalls, "They were lost in the world. They had very little and we in America had so much. We did our best to help them. They were so gentle and kind." Her prized possession is the autograph book the boys gifted her. Written entirely in German, she can still read and translate it. I sometimes wonder what happened to those boys. I 
hope they knew the indelible mark they made on my mother's life at a point when she was transforming from girlhood to womanhood, on her path to becoming a beautiful butterfly. I hope they knew that she received as much as she gave. I hope they knew how important they were that summer in bridging humanity in that one small corner of the world.
The Caterpillar: Darryl's Story
I have lived much of my life in 
Walnut Hills, growing up a few doors down from the elegant Manse Hotel. Listed in The Green Book, it was a safe and welcoming place for Blacks to gather and stay in the era of segregation. In my career, I found my calling in
social services, converting our family home into a group home for men with mental health challenges. I was the bookkeeper, maintenance man, housecleaner, medicine dispenser, activities director and chef. Group home operators aren't in it for the money - the rewards are far greater.
Just like a caterpillar, I worked hard every day believing the struggles I faced would lead to transformation, for myself as well as the men in my home. The caring staff share the same beliefs and principles that I do on how to empower people to live with dignity.
The Chrysalis: Kenny's Story
A diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
was not what I had planned as I embarked upon retirement. Fortunately, I found my lifeline in Shannon Braun and the ERS Center for Memory Support and Inclusion. The
programs I participate in are open to people in all stages of dementia. Shannon tells me that it can be hard for people like me, still in the early stage, to be around others whose symptoms have advanced. I guess for some people it is a look into the future they don't want to see. I never feel this way. Being around people in all stages of the disease energizes me. When I think about my life in terms of the miraculous life cycle of a butterfly, at this point I feel a bit like I am wrapped up in a chrysalis. I am changing without
knowing how I will emerge. Yes, this is frightening. But I have faith that, when I emerge, I am destined to become a beautiful butterfly - in this life and beyond.
The Butterfly: Virginia's Story
At 89 years of age, I have come to
realize this: we don't age...we grow wiser. I came from humble beginnings. My father died when I was just a baby. I owe everything to the love and sacrifices of my mother who colored my world amidst a dreary backdrop. I've had adventure and career success, but the lack of a father figure in my life took a toll on my ability to form healthy relationships. In my golden years, I finally have time for reflection and introspection. Thanks to Deupree House I am emerging as a beautiful butterfly, surrounded by friends who share the same goal: to be the best versions of our own selves. Like the majestic monarch, our lives have been a great migration that have brought us home to ERS.
