Betty
Wills found family, happiness and a real home.
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| The day that Betty has been waiting years to arrive |
Betty's
life was frequently a struggle. She had an unstable background
including “surviving foster care since the age of four years old”.
Throughout her lifetime, she worked odd jobs and made ends meet
however she could. She resided in both the United States and Canada.
It was a hard life and there were always many challenges, and she had
managed for 85 years without asking anyone for help.
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| Betty officially becomes a U.S. citizen |
Three
years ago, at age 85, Betty was scheduled to be placed in a homeless
shelter. She had no identification, no income and no health
insurance. The Bridgepointe A Life Celebrated team heard about her
and took action. Volunteers wrapped Betty in love and kindness and
gave her an opportunity to thrive.
Betty
moved to the Village of Westland Senior Living Community and received
care from the Homestead Home Health Care team. Bridgepointe
volunteers continued to help her overcome some major challenges, like
obtaining a birth certificate, U.S. Citizenship, and a Michigan I.D.
Card. These basics were needed to take the next steps, such as
establishing an income and signing up for Medicare. She opened her
first bank account and wrote her first check. Betty was filled with
gratitude for the loving care and support she received.
Betty
flourished. She had nutritious meals, many friends and a purpose in
her life. You could see her every morning in exercise class, or on
Sundays doing 'hall check'. She was a part of many committees and was
selected to be an “Ambassador”, part of a special team to welcome
new residents. Her caregivers and her new friends were her family –
her only family. She spent each Thanksgiving and Christmas at the
home of one of her favorite caregivers. Her birthday was celebrated
by all her “girls”. Every day, she knew she was loved. She
repeatedly said “These have been the best three years of my life.”
Late
in 2013, Ms. Wills passed away at the age of 88. Hers is truly a life
worth celebrating!She has been a pleasure to know and to love. She
will always be remembered for her zeal for life, her kindness to
others and her gratitude.