Final Week

In many ways, life has become easier for Thomas.  At 60 years old, Thomas feels like he has learned the best way to deal with his emotions, and he is more confident to handle his day-to-day living.  A month ago, Thomas’ mother, Molly, passed away from heart complications.  Working with the psychologist and learning coping techniques following the heartbreaking loss of Thomas’ father, Thomas knew that he was at a better stage to deal with the death of his mother.

          Before Molly’s death, Thomas was given the deed for the house that they currently live in, and a lawyer was assigned to help watch over Thomas and Rosie’s finances.  Thomas and Rosie continue to have a solid relationship, enjoying each other’s company and conveying their emotions and hardships to one another.  Together, they continue to volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club, which they feel is a wonderful way to make an impact on society.  David, the young boy that Thomas had been mentoring, is now 33 years old, and he remains an important part of both Thomas and Rosie’s life.  David continues to live in Harrisonburg, VA, and Rosie and Thomas meet with David at least once a week to do some type of social activity, whether it be playing bingo or going to see a movie.

          Thomas continues to use Art Therapy, which remains a great outlet for him to relax and express himself. Unfortunately, Thomas has developed some arthritis in his right hand from the continuous drawing motions, but he currently takes medication to help with some of the pain.  The doctor has informed Thomas that he needs to limit his drawing time to 2-3 hours per week. Thomas found this a little difficult to deal with at first, but was able to pull from some of those coping strategies that he was taught in those many psychologist sessions he had attended.

          At 70, Thomas is starting to deal with the process of growing old. He is still able to somewhat take care of himself and Rosie is a little bit of help, but they are starting to struggle keeping the house in good condition. The lawyer that was assigned to Thomas and Rosie to look over finances and the estate suggests that Thomas and Rosie either hire someone to come weekly to help with upkeep of the house and grounds or to sell the house and move into an assisted living community.

Thomas struggled with the decision making process and sought the advice of the staff at the Arc. With their help, Thomas decided that it was best for someone else to live in the house instead of Rosie and himself. Molly had left money in her will for Thomas, and subsequently Rosie, for when they were no longer able to take care of the estate. With this money Thomas and Rosie found a nice one bedroom house that was just bigger than an apartment. This way Thomas and Rosie had less space to take care of and were close to things like the hospital and the Walmart in town.

Sadly at the age of 80, Thomas passed away from complications with his condition. However, Thomas and Rosie were able to spend a happy ten years together in the house that they bought. Now Rosie must go on alone living in the house but passes soon after Thomas. Both Thomas and Rosie had nice ceremonies put on my members of the community that embraced their contribution to the town.