The Vink Family
Bill & Corrie Vink
My Mom lived a life that was blessed in so many ways. She had a wonderful marriage to Bill that lasted almost 60 years. Starting as teenaged sweethearts their family grew to include grandchildren and great grandchildren. All were cherished by Mom.
Throughout my childhood and adult memories, I recall Mom as a very involved community member and a willing volunteer to many organizations. She had a very outgoing and friendly nature that was a joy to observe and learn from.
In the early part of 2013 Mom received a diagnosis that would change everything. They got the news that Mom had cancer. For ten years they navigated that journey and Mom and Dad took up the fight with everything they had. For a great length of time, they were ahead.
As it does, illness eventually reduced Mom's abilities and likewise increased Dad's responsibilities. In house care become one of the new realities. Always a planner Mom took the opportunity to outline her wishes and make well considered decisions about the way she wanted to see her earthly life end when her care team made the connection to the Sakura House palliative team.
Over the years our family has witnessed the VON Sakura House team in action many times. We have visited family and friends in their time of need and observed them receiving care and support from the staff and volunteers at Sakura House.
In the spring of 2023 Mom was admitted to Sakura House. The effect was immediate, Mom's pain was under control, Dad's burden of care was gone. They were able to be together for every precious second. The volunteers, nurses and doctors at Sakura House really do provide an exceptional service to families that are in a very vulnerable position.
We were able to spend many quality hours with Mom. The comfort that Mom felt knowing that the care responsibility had shifted made her very happy and allowed her to be at ease. She was able to enjoy her last days with my dad restored to her as her husband rather than her caretaker. A group of skilled and compassionate people gathered around them and provided the support they and each of our family members needed.
The reason we were there was somber and it takes a very special group of people to deliver the services required in such a compassionate and caring way. Compassion was extended to not only Mom but every family member and visitor she had. You provided exceptional care for each and every one of us. Our family would like to express our sincere thanks for the blessing you provided for Mom and us through her final weeks.
The Vink Family