C P
Helen was my mother‘s friend. My mother lives in LaMarea Assisted living community. I spent many hours visiting with Helen when I went to visit my mother, Peggy. My mother has dementia, and sits silently in most social settings. However, Helen‘s compassion, kindness, acceptance, and friendliness brought my mother out when they were together at meal times. I learned so much about Helen during those visits. She was truly an amazing woman! She shared about her family life in Champaign, Illinois, our home state too. She shared about the restaurant owned by the family and the candy store. Her education, during a time when women were not necessarily welcomed in higher education, or the sciences specifically, was inspiring. She knew what she wanted, and she fought to get it. The work she did with her colleagues regarding the malaria vaccine, and all other aspects of her life were uplifting. The last time I saw her, as I sat with Mom at a dining table in LaMarea, she was coming down the hall with her walker and a caregiver singing. She was a joyful woman. She was always upbeat, despite the loss of her vision. I often wondered how she spent her time when her vision was so limited, and her opportunities for stimulation also few. She was a very special woman; one I will never forget. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to spend time with her. She was a gem. I’m sure she will be sorely missed. I appreciate the opportunity to honor her as a friend to my mother, and an inspiration to me. May she rest in peace. Cindy Payne