“I am so grateful to the people who support Meals on Wheels Chicago.  I can’t tell you what your generosity means to me.  Not only are we sure he is eating well, he knows that you think he has a lot more living to do.”   

Shortly before Christmas 2016, George fell and broke his hip.  He was rushed to the hospital. The doctor took Gus aside and told him that men of George’s age (85) usually do not recover. This was the beginning of a slow descent to the end and he should accept the inevitable.

“They drugged him and wrote him off.  They put him in hospice and that was supposed to be it.  One day they called and told me my dad was unconscious and did I want to take him to the hospital.  What kind of question is that?  I said yes.  Turns out all he had a urinary tract infection.  That was it. I quit my job and decided to take him home. If he was going to die, I wanted him to die at home.”

“When I brought him home.  He was hallucinating, hitting the wall and punching me.  I had to carry him everywhere.  I threw out all the drugs and got him into physical rehabilitation.  Now, you wouldn’t think he’s the same guy.  He cleans the kitchen. Cleans the bathroom.  Gets dressed by himself.  A couple of months ago, all he did was sleep,didn’t even know my name.  Now he’s dynamo.”

“Meals on Wheels Chicago has been a real help.  Before he wasn’t eating, now he eats it all.  It is great to know he is eating healthy.  It is one less thing I have to worry about.  Thanks to Meals on Wheels Chicago, my father is back to where he was before he fell.  Believe it or not, he has blood pressure of a teenager.