Meet Carol Mills
For about six years, I had been living alone in a house with a minimal amount of help from two wonderful people, my cousin and his wife. I enjoyed the independence and responsibility.
Knee surgery, with serious complications that caused me to be hospitalized and in rehab for more than four months, made it ill-advised for me to live alone as before.
Finally, I returned home on December 18, 2007. The huge task began of finding an accredited appraiser for the contents of the house, emptying the house except for the furniture that Sr. Vacha let me bring with me to Sacred Heart Home, finding a realtor, making some improvements, i.e., new carpet, some interior painting, etc.
Everything was completed and I came to Sacred Heart Home on Saturday, April 12, 2008. The first open house was the following day. With the deteriorating economy, it was not an auspicious time to sell a house.
I shall always remember the day that I came to Sacred Heart to live. After entering my room, my first words were "What have I done?"
Shortly thereafter, I met Sr. Donna. She stooped down in front of me and told me that I was depressed and grieving, but not to be angry. I told her that anger only makes us unhappy. In an effort to console me, Sr. Donna told me that she lived here, too. At some point, we discussed my attending Mass on Sunday morning.
When I was at home, my closest friend, Andrea, brought Holy Communion to me each week. On Sunday mornings, I watched the televised Mass from the Crypt Church at the Basilica.
Next came the evaluation of my cognitive ability. I felt that this was condescending to me, but I cooperated; although, I may have rolled my eyes.
Sunday morning Sr. Donna came and that made me feel better. I attended Mass and received Holy Communion. The period of adjustment had begun. I continued to attend Sunday Mass and receive Holy Communion. Soon after I started to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion daily. Sr. Donna indicated that she was pleased that I was joining everyone for Mass. This adjustment was something that I could not do without the Lord's help.
Everyone made me feel welcome and helped me. The Director of Nursing was one of the first people that I met. She told me that no one was going to make me do anything that I did not want to do, and all her nurses knew that. This made me feel comfortable because there are so many things that I am unable to do that most people can do very easily. I was concerned that I was going to be expected to do things that may cause me to be inadvertently injured.
I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was in my early twenties. As it progressed, I found alternative ways to do many things. I realize my limitations and try to avoid getting hurt. I agreed to physical therapy and then restorative therapy which is helping me to maintain my mobility and, hopefully, increase it. Sr. Vacha lets us use the parlor for walking because the walker will not slip on the carpet which allows me to take reciprocal steps. My goal is to persevere until the end and never be confined to my bed.
We have a great group of Sister. I had not met any of them until I came to Sacred Heart Home to live. I did not know that they are nonhabited and so joyful. They are inspirational. They want the residents to be comfortable and happy.
Sr. Donna was the Sister that I met first. She was understanding and made me feel welcome. Soon after I knew all of our wonderful Sisters.
Our day begins with Sr. Mary's beautiful prayers. Then there is Mass in our beautiful chapel where Sr. Lucy welcomes us. Sr. Maria helps to bring residents to the Chapel. I enjoy singing at Mass even though I do not sing well. The Sister sings beautifully. Because of my hands, Sr. Denise marks with a clamp the songs that we are to sing each day. This is very kind and thoughtful of her.
When I was at home and unable to attend Mass, I thought about how wonderful it would be to read the readings at Mass. Eventually, I gave up that desire because it was unrealistic at the time. Not long ago, that desire returned to me. I talked with Sr. Vacha about it. I have read six times and hope to continue reading many more times. Sr. Vacha moves my wheelchair and holds the microphone for me. It gives me great joy and happiness to read the Word of the Lord.
The grounds of Sacred Heart are beautiful and so peaceful. I enjoy the outdoors surrounded by God’s beautiful creations.
If I had gone to another home, I would not be as I am today. The inspiration of the Sisters is the reason.
Just think of all the residents and families that the Sisters have helped in so many ways over the years. I pray that they will continue forever.
|
