Dear Love Lee’s,

We wanted to give you an update on the BIG things happening in Mom and Jerry’s lives. 

To back track just a little, Gina and I were in Sarasota for 2 weeks in January ostensibly to help them move out of their condo and into an Assisted Living residence. James and Jerry had worked extremely hard visiting a number of AL residences and had landed on one close to their condo and friends. Unfortunately, right after Gina and I got there…things took a turn. The facility didn’t have the correct level of care and they were not equipped to handle Mom and Jerry’s needs. So we all pivoted. Instead of packing and moving them, we toured additional options and worked on organizing the condo when time allowed. We also encountered another setback….thankfully we were there to assist. Mom had a scary heart rate/blood pressure/oxygen level situation and ended up going to the ER via ambulance and was admitted into the hospital for 4 days. We spent our time with Mom….telling her stories, drawing pictures, working on writing, etc. Once again, we watched in awe at her magic in connecting with people, even when words could not be spoken.  Her winks, points, and facial expressions would cast a spell on each and every hospital worker…..even the ones with the grumpy bedside manners eventually came around. Thankfully she was able to go home before we had to leave.  The culprit? They think a combination of medication and dehydration….

By the end of those two weeks, we landed on a new place that we all felt good about and Gina and I headed to our respective homes.

Jerry hit the pedal to the metal concerning their move and before we knew it they were moving and we were back down to assist with this monumental task. As you all know - any move is a big deal. This one was intense. We all worked extremely hard to get them settled in their new place and moved out of the condo.  Once again- we were struck by the love of friendship. Cards, like bunnies, seemed to multiply as we worked through drawers and cabinets in her room.  Saved and loved were your many notes and letters from throughout the years.  Emotions were high…and Gina and I might be dehydrated, as well, from all of the tears! 

Mom seemed really good throughout all of this. It’s definitely an adjustment - but she seems to be handling it well. She directed us on where to hang pictures and where to move books and furniture.  We once again witnessed her magic - when other residents and staff members  would come to say hi or to listen to her work her left hand on the piano keys!!  

We know one thing for sure!

She loves you ALL and would love to hear from you. We will include her address and hope that you will continue to write and visit her!  Connecting with people is her lifeline! 

As I’m flying to Texas right now (and Gina driving back to NC in the morning) we often reflect on this beautiful network of friends. It’s truly remarkable. YOU are ALL truly remarkable.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving our mom and continually asking for updates and ways to help. We couldn’t be more grateful! 

Ever Onward!

With love, 

J + G

Lee & Jerry Ross

5650 Gantt Road 

Apt #231

Sarasota, Florida 

34233