A case of the hiccups

Well, it wasn't exactly hiccups as we know them.  Rather it was a hiccup in communication among family members.

Several months ago, I had the honor of helping a family where the wife passed away and the husband was moving from the home they built together to a retirement community.  

Her children came from out of town a couple of times to help sort and pack up the things from her side of the family.  As we reached one of the closets, the daughter pulled out a beautiful dress and began to share the story.

Mom was a slender and striking woman with beautiful silver hair and always dressed impeccably.  In fact, she had been a model in her younger years.  And this was the dress she wore for her step-son's wedding.  A true beauty (both Mom and the dress)!

Unfortunately, her illness progressed.  But prior to her passing she shared her wishes that when the time came, it was THE dress she wanted to be buried in.  

Many details and emotions to juggle when a loved one passes away.  Message was relayed that Mom wanted to be buried in the "green dress".  Enter the HICCUPS.  (Obviously Mom wasn't buried in the dress because how would I have been able to post a picture.)  Oops...the wrong green dress was selected and sent to the funeral home.  The family thought "what's done is done.  Either we'll give it away or find a friend who wants it."

I had learned about a company called Without-End  that makes custom memorial pillows from a loved one's favorite article of clothing.   Deb Alexander is an amazing woman - passionate about helping, compassionate in her approach and creatively respectful of a loved one's belongings while transforming them into a beautiful living memorial that can be held, touched and cherished.

What a perfect way to give new life to a dress that was to be buried, never to be seen again!  And a wonderful way for her daughter to remember her mother.

Thank you Deb! 

For more information on how A Stress-Less Transition, LLC can help you or an older adult, please visit our website.

Industry says Move Manager....Real life says Go To Resource!

In the few months since starting A Stress-Less Transition, LLC, I have met so many amazing people, and have received tremendous support, creating new referral partners, new clients, and new friendships.

Unfortunately, the families I’ve helped over the past few months, came to know of A Stress-Less Transition relatively late in the process. Their loved one passed away, they resolved all the legal and financial details, some returned to their out-of-state home but were at a loss for how to deal with “the stuff” left behind. Helping families sooner rather than later can save money, time and stress when a life event happens. Here are a few examples:

Older Adult Joe:  Joe, a widower with several medical conditions, moved to Florida from New York, narrowly escaping the wrath of Sandy.  He arrived before his furniture and representatives at the community he was moving into called to ask for help.  Joe's belongings were hastily (but carefully) packed by the movers.  How we helped:   Designed a floor plan/furniture layout based on the items Joe remembered being packed.  Guided the movers for furniture placement and unpacked nearly 40 boxes of his belongings.  Shopped for basic kitchen items since his new apartment had a kitchen.  Sorted and boxed up for donation many of Joe's beautiful suits, ties and shirts - all of which made the move and most would not be worn again.  Had Joe worked with a move manager before his move, the move would have been much less expensive and he could have enjoyed life in his new community sooner.  

Family A: Father passed away a year ago. Furniture and belongings were hastily put into storage causing damage to many of the pieces. Executors lived out of state and overseas. Had A Stress-Less Transition been contacted early on, arrangements would have been made for the items to be picked up, handled with care and sold for a profit. How we helped: Saved the family money by not having to make a trip to Tampa. Facilitated emptying of storeroom (thus ending the storage fees) with contents going to an auctioneer and furniture consignment shop, where items were repaired and sold. Also included data retrieval from computer. (Proceeds from sale of belongings covered expenses and with a small profit being returned to the estate.)

Family B: Mother passed away a few months ago. Daughter immediately listed the condo for sale but was left to clear it out since siblings lived up north. Daughter with medical condition made numerous trips to the dumpster and charitable organizations…and still had more to do. Emotionally overwhelmed and physically exhausted, she contacted A Stress-Less Transition. How we helped: Coordinated donation of clothes to Dress for Success, arranged for profitable sale of her mother’s treasures
(some of which daughter was ready to pitch), thus readying the property for showing much sooner. (Proceeds from the sale of belongings covered a portion of the unplanned death-related expenses.)

As you can see, we do more than just move seniors into retirement communities….We help alleviate the stress by handling all the details of a later-in-life transition. We are the go-to resource for the adult children who don’t know where to begin, aren't sure how to help their elderly loved ones or what to do with a houseful of belongings.

My hope is to continue educating others about how A Stress-Less Transition can help with whatever need an older adult or their family might have, including connecting them with professionals like attorneys, realtors, movers, insurance agents, bankers, etc.  

I am humbled by the support and grateful for the opportunities to help older adults and families.  Thank you!