Wrapped In The Coziest Blanket
Written By Rosemary Addison
The first time that Stephanie DiTomasso walked into McNally House Hospice with her father, Marian Juras, who was being admitted, she was apprehensive. Yet, they were welcomed with such warmth and care, that she felt like someone had wrapped her in the coziest blanket possible. The genuine compassion shown at that moment has continued through Marian’s stay.
Managing Marian’s care at home by the family had become increasingly difficult. Coming to McNally freed them to be a family, to enjoy each other without having to manage medications and personal care. Marian uses the words caring and compassion often when speaking about McNally. Another word he uses is love. He feels that the staff and volunteers love caring for the residents, love getting to know them. Stories are shared with him, advice is sought about all manner of things, for Marian is a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Marian and his wife, Helen, had been the owners of a fruit farm and greenhouse operation for 45 years. When he was 12 years old, he built a car for a soapbox derby and has loved cars, especially exotic cars, for his whole life. When Stephanie was eight years old, Marian built her a dollhouse, furniture and all, which he finished on Christmas Eve. Extending his woodworking skills, he built his own cedar strip canoe, which his grandchildren cherish today. Sharing all this has created a wonderful relationship with staff and volunteers.
McNally House is in the midst of expanding to a ten-bed hospice, with a conversion of the original building to a day hospice. Marian has a clear view of the construction to the point where he was given the title of Honourary Supervisor of the Building Project, hard hat and all. Marian was thrilled with the joy that was created for him and for the staff and volunteers. He openly expresses that times like this fill him with warmth and love. “This is my home now. Everyone here is my family.”
Marian and Stephanie speak about how much dignity, integrity and respect is shown to residents and their families. They would like people not to hesitate to inquire about McNally House and hospice care. The staff and volunteers are so supportive. The care provided is genuine, and so uplifting.
For Marian, the kindness came to life in so many special moments; from holiday dinners and family tea parties to tasty treats and special art projects about a canoe and a soapbox car. He has been serenaded with Polish songs by a staff member and sang along to a Newfoundland ditty with volunteers who want to provide as much comfort, food, and company as possible. For all this, and, more, Marian says emphatically, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU !
McNally House is about life. McNally House is home. McNally House is about receiving a hug on the first day, a feeling of being wrapped in the coziest blanket possible, a feeling that stays throughout the whole journey.