27 Mar Staying Connected
Every month, Bill McCreary looks forward to visiting his father in an assisted living facility. He checks the calendar and knows exactly when he’ll get to see his father next. Nearly 30 years ago, New Hope Team Leader Gail Mehrlich started serving Bill and eventually organized these monthly dinners. Today, it is the dedicated staff of Justin Group Home that ensure that Bill gets to see his family each month.
But this month, and for the foreseeable future, Bill won’t get to visit his dad.
Bill is deaf and communicates using limited, basic sign language. Last week he was obviously upset and kept pointing to the calendar. There was no date set for his usual visit. Gail tried to explain to him that he can’t leave his house to visit his father right now, but she reminded him that they would visit as soon as possible, perhaps in a couple of months.
Confused and upset, Bill signed to her, “Mom. Died.” And then, “Dad. Died.” Gail reassured Bill and explained that while Bill’s mom passed away years ago, his dad was still living and he would see him again soon. Bill was still distraught and spent a lot of time crying. Gail became determined to find a way for Bill to see his dad. She called the assisted living facility where his father lives and tried to arrange a video call. Bill’s brother did the same, and eventually, days later, one of the assisted living associates contacted Gail.
Neither she nor Gail knew much about video calling technology, but together, they figured out how to connect Bill and his father over a Facebook Messenger video call.
Bill was ecstatic!
He saw his dad’s face and began to cry. He tried to hug the phone and kept signing to him, “I love you!” He’d never been happier to see his father.
Don’t forget to stay connected to your loved ones during this strange time, even if it takes you a while to learn how to video call. It’s worth it.
Special thanks to Gail Mehrlich, the DSPs at Justin Group Home and the rest of #TeamNewHope for their amazing dedication to serving our clients!
Tammy Sandefur (Bill McCreary sister)
Posted at 19:15h, 27 MarchHello, my name is Tammy Sandefur, Bill McCreary is my brother, I want to thank you so very much for taking care of him,you are truly an angel ! Please tell him I send hugs and lots of love. Thank you again and stay safe.
Tracy Concannon
Posted at 19:28h, 27 MarchThank you for taking the time to connect my Uncle with my Grandpa!
Robert McCreary
Posted at 12:10h, 31 MarchWords cannot express our gratitude for the love, care and concern of our brother Bill!
A special thanks to Gail for making facetime connection available to unite Bill and his Dad and family.
God’s blessing on all staff and those that support New Hope.
Bob and Sheila, Brother and Sister-in-law
Gay Burkhart
Posted at 13:35h, 31 MarchMade me cry. Bill’s angst and inability to understand the situation was heart wrenching. What a blessing to have ones who care to help.