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FAMILY BEREAVEMENT RETREAT APPLICATION
On Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 our beloved brother passed away from a lingering illness of approximately 8 years due to his 38-year employment and unfortunate exposure to asbestos. This led to pulmonary fibrosis and COPD. Shortly after his early retirement (due to illness), he was administered supplemental oxygen. At the time of his death, he was on 9 liters of oxygen. Dave was our only brother. He never married so when he became ill, we, his siblings became his caregivers.
We watched him struggle to breathe every day since. This disease thickened the lungs and the person loses elasticity causing scarring and decreasing lung capacity. Myself and one of my sisters accompanied him to nearly every doctor appointment, medical testing, and wherever else he needed to go whether it be to the Pulmonologist, Veterans Administration medical team, or his family physician. We assisted with his outside chores until it became evident he could no longer maintain his home. He moved into my husband’s and my property as to be closer to family.
For the past year and one half, he was in the care of hospice. There was never a doubt among the sisters that we would be his primary caregivers. This took a toll on family time and other outside events that we simply could not attend.
Christmas morning Dave took a turn for the worst. We knew his time on earth was closing. We provided 24-hour care until his passing.
Giving us this opportunity would give his siblings and I a chance to rest and reflect on Dave’s life. It would provide a time of much needed sister bonding in a beautiful quiet, peaceful setting.