Many who are familiar with the Little Sisters of the Poor often speak about the family spirit in their Homes. We know this firsthand, as we are part of that family, as well as ardent supporters of the Little Sisters for more than twenty years.
Our affiliation with the Little Sisters of the Poor actually dates back to the 1960’s. My Aunt Leona was a Resident and I remember, even as a young boy, the excellent care the Sisters provided. My memory of the kindness shown by the Little Sisters has stayed with me ever since.
Decades later, we became part of the family once again. Gina’s mother Eva has been in the care of the Little Sisters since 2014, and we are so grateful to call Jeanne Jugan Residence her home, since we live 3,000 miles away.
We grew up in Pawtucket and Lincoln and married after high school. We moved to Virginia, stationed there in 1976 and retired from the Coast Guard twenty years later. We now live in Carnation, WA, and even though we are far away there is such comfort knowing Mom is being cared for and loved by the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Fortunately, we have been able travel east every year and with each visit to the Little Sisters, our belief in their mission is reaffirmed. Like most people, we hope to be able to live independently as we age. If that is not possible there is no place we would choose to live than at the Little Sisters of the Poor. Our most vivid memory of Jeanne Jugan Residence is seeing 100+ year-old Residents moving along smartly with their walkers, with ear-to-ear smiles. It is obvious to us that the Residents know how fortunate they are to have the privilege of living there.
We have always been extremely impressed with the Mothers Superior we have met over the years, and the crackerjack operation they run. We marvel at how the Little Sisters have coped during the last two years with the coronavirus outbreak. Everyone at the Little Sisters is so upbeat, Residents and staff alike.
Blessed with success we could never have imagined when we married, we know it is our duty to share with others. We formed a charitable foundation, focused on supporting the Little Sisters of the Poor, Catholic education, and those who we believe are deserving of help.
Although we have made a long-term provision for the bulk of our assets to go to charity, we enjoy being able to support these many organizations now and see the impact of our contributions. With each visit to see Mom and the Little Sisters of the Poor, it is gratifying to know we can help today and in the future.
– Michael and Gina