If you’ve ever ridden the Fort Collins City Park train, you may have met our friend.
We loved hearing her stories of how she taught the kids to remain seated for the whole ride, and raise their arms and wiggle their fingers when they went through the tunnel. We loved hearing about how she began helping kids have their birthday parties on the train. It was clear that she loved her work as the conductor of the City Park Train.
If you’ve ever had a meal and enjoyed the music of Bob Swerer at the Safari Club, a historic Fort Collins supper club, our friend may have served your meal.
She taught us about these fun parts of Fort Collins’ history.
She also taught us that even when the words someone says don’t make sense, a companionable and understanding response from a friend helps that person feel like their words do make sense. We learned that communication is much more than words.
She taught us that what might look like new-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder may instead be very strategic strategies one uses to feel safe in their home as their cognitive abilities begin to unravel.
She taught us that even in the final seasons of dementia, humans need to feel loved, and humans with advanced dementia can experience forgiveness and renewal.
We loved our friend, and we know she loved us. We were glad we got to help her live well and finish well. And we were glad we got to support her daughter along the way. Rest, friend, your struggle is over.
