Lill

Christine Klassek, Carmelite Carefree Village

I have a special mission moment from my past that in many ways designed my career as a minister to the elderly. One I was reminded of again just recently.

Several years ago a resident by the name of Lill lived at our Village. It was a party day at Carefree filled with all the usual preparations for a fun evening. Lill wanted to visit with family that she had not seen in quite some time, but also wanted to attend the evening get together with friends. We talked for some time, and I convinced Lill that a visit with family was important and it was likely that she would return home in time for the evening’s events. She had lunch with her family and indeed did return in time to dance and have fun with other residents. At the conclusion of the party Lill waved good night and said to me: “Thanks for one of the best nights of my life.” Then she turned and went to her room.

The next morning when I arrived at work, a fellow staff member asked “Did you hear the news? Lill passed away in her sleep last night.” The thought of Lill’s last spoken words still ring clear today. This event put my personal ministry into focus — that everyday spent serving our population was a special one.

Recently I interviewed a young volunteer who was accompanied by her very proud father. I was very happy to engage the young lady to assist at a party. The young volunteer’s father said to me, “You may know my grandmother, she lived at Carefree a while back. Her name was Lill.” My mind returned to the day when Lill went to God, and I held back my tears. The joy of ministry was made present once again by the smiles of eager anticipation and happy expectation of a young girl giving service in the memory of a grandmother who was very much loved. Our work with the elderly is truly a blessing. We will never know how many lives we will touch.

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