Everything happens for a reason...right?

I have always been a firm believer in karma, destiny and that everything that happens to us is meant to teach us something. This is not always comforting - especially when bad things happen to good people. Earlier this week, I was present at a very sad occasion - one of the most difficult I've ever witnessed. No one died, but a very vital program was put to rest.

MACSA Adult Day Health Care was established in 1986 to care for frail seniors and disabled adults for the purpose of delaying and preventing premature placement into skilled nursing care facilities, to assist caregivers by offering them respite, and to provide therapeutic and recreational activities to improve and maintain their highest level of functioning. For many of the seniors who attended, it was like a second home to them. When they attended the program they received compassionate care from nurses, therapists, social workers, and activity staff. They received a hot meal at lunch and diet counseling from a registered dietician. For 45 years, the Mexican American Community Services Agency has been committed to improving the quality of life for underserved youth, families and seniors in the Latino community. The agency itself goes on, but the ADHC is no more...at least for now.

This program's last day was October 21, 2009.

The sadness shared by the participants, volunteers and staff was overwhelming. I was invited along with other former employees and volunteers to come say 'good-bye' - a final 'despedida.' One by one, we gave what encouragement we could and expressed our sadness, love and support for those who would no longer have their 'second home' away from home. Everyone tried to be strong, but the tears came anyway. We all shared our memories, a wonderful meal and then it was time to say adios. I left before the final farewells - I'm ashamed to say that I wasn't strong enough. By the time I left there, I felt like I had been hit by a bus...

But this wasn't MY tragedy. What I mean to say is please don't feel badly for ME. Feel badly for all those participants who will find it extremely difficult to find another place to go. There are very few options for them. Sadly, many will end up in nursing homes or will be left at home alone - their safety will be compromised. Families once given respite from caregiving will have few alternatives - some may have to quit a job to care for a loved one. It's all incredibly heartbreaking.

So what's the lesson in this tragedy? It makes no sense to me, so it may be awhile before I can sort out exactly what I was supposed to learn from all this. For now I will hold onto hope that something will happen to turn this around. I will keep the participants in my thoughts and pray that they will be safe and well. I will also send out positive energy to my friends and former co-workers that they will be able to find work in this horrible economy.