---

An important component of dad’s care was the comfort of routine and especially his knowing that there wouldn’t be a lot of change as far as those caring for him. Laura understood that and assigned Mawata initially and eventually Augusta and Karen as his primary daytime care givers. We’re not exactly sure where to start telling you all the ways their care was exceptional. They provided the day to day familiarity that dad needed and understood all those things important to him (e.g., the importance of being groomed, shaved, dressed in clean clothes every day; a clean, fully supplied room). Although they had different styles for managing dad, those styles were complementary and always ended with a result that was best for dad. They were great advocates for him and for our family. Beyond that, the compassion and humanity they exhibited toward dad were noticed and appreciated by all of us, especially in his final days and hours when they gathered with us in prayer at his bedside. We never worried when dad was in Mawata’s, Augusta’s or Karen’s care. It was the same as if family was caring for him.