“Paying it Forward” …
Tabatha Naylon – A CNA Angel of Hospice in her Final Journey…
For many, “Hospice” is a scary word…it means death…
Yet, there are angels of mercy who help families in their final journey..
Comprised of a team of visiting Nurse’s, CNA’s, Physicians, Therapists & Clergy etc., if they choose Hospice services at home.
For many, we choose not to think of it, for it hasn’t directly impacted us, for the need to be required. However, this service began in its neophyte stage way back in the the mid 1970’s and continued to grow, where eventually it became more available in more areas.
Truth be told, being a Hospice caregiver is exhausting…
For all the loving care they give in one’s final journey is heartbreaking, and yet they continue to do it with compassion. Not only for the patient, but supporting their families as well. Whatever it takes to make the final journey easier.
Which may require; feeding, liquid nourishment, cleaning up of soiled clothing and bedding, holding a hand, getting back spasms from having lifted someone to heavy to lift alone. Being a Hospice caregiver or even family member is the hardest work one must face on a daily basis, until one’s loved one final journey is over.
Which brings me to this story of Tabatha Naylon…
Who is Tabatha Naylon???
She is a young woman of 49, a personal friend, whom I think of as “a daughter”, a member of our ” Earth Angels of Ogle County” family & who has helped many along the way, always with a “Smile”….
Her story:
Tabatha became a young widow at a young age. Was left alone to raise young boys, being caregiver to her elderly mom, while working as many hours as she could to make ends meet. Tabatha has been there for many when needed…as a friend, for a family member or in her role as Hospice CNA. Eventually, she lost her home and once again her life circumstances changed in a monumental way.
However, Tabatha Naylon is one of many who are now facing their mortality, and is struggling to have as much time with her family & friends & just living as much life in general that she possibly can, for as long as she can or that her body will allow her to do with all her limitations.
Almost a year ago, Tabatha decided the back pain she had been struggling with and ignoring was just a pulled muscle. One day, on her way home from her day of Hospice work, she finally decided she must get it addressed , the pain had become unbearable and went to the the local Emergency Room. Once again her life would monumentally change. After running several tests, they gave her the diagnosis of Stage Four Breast Cancer with Mets to the bones. She was transferred to Madison University, where more aggressive testing was done and confirmation was given, and team then formed of specialists creating a plan for her continued care, which emerged and is continually evolving as this deadly disease progresses. For there is no cure. Her bones throughout the body are like “Swiss cheese” , the tumors on her spine and elsewhere are inoperable. Several rounds of Chemo later, she struggles with day to day tasks, has good days and bad days. She wears a torso shell and neck brace to keep her mobile. Some days requiring a cane, or walker, even a wheelchair. The cancer has metastasized throughout her body.
Facing ones mortality is SCAREY, there are feelings of denial, high anxiety, of mixed emotions, anger, feeling “alone” , the need to get “things in order” , spending as much quality time possible with family and friends. Finally, ” acceptance ” and to do what one can during their final journey.
The community has rallied around her in many ways. Including fundraiser s to help get her through until some type of service could help financially or assist in her physical needs. Like many organizations, it takes time to go through the steps and all the red tape etc. No longer able to work, her insurance at work had expired, and paying a “cobra fee” was in no way possible.
The most recent fundraiser help was to get her to see her grandchildren, (a final wish & bucket list item) and have her 3 sons and family united together. Her trip proved to be physically too much, she arrived, had one day of family enjoyment, but landed in the emergency room, requiring her immediate travel back home, and another visit to the emergency room upon arrival, to get her stabilized once again.
The holidays are fast approaching, Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for what blessings we have ie: Good Health, Family, Friends …because we know, there are so many less fortunate.
Yes, I know, there are so many who need help, and so many organizations who are seeking donations. We all give what we can. Perhaps, we can give a little more?
This message is for “Paying it Forward” …& Tabatha’s Final Journey Home..
I am appealing to all of the people who Tabatha Naylon has crossed paths in their lifetime , been touched, or changed, both personally and especially in her role in a Hospice CNA.
I am asking you to come forward and shower her with a Christmas card, starting now, enclose a message of love and thanks for her part in your life. Let her know thoughts and prayers are with her, she is not alone in her journey. Show her the love and support she needs right now, and if you can also enclose a donation of any amount to help defray the costs of travel to & from Madison, clinics , blood draws and with the multitude of things that are occurring or might occur, so that as she travels through in her final journey, she doesn’t have quite heavy a burden. No donation is too small, it all adds up, and would be greatly appreciated.
Cards can be mailed directly to:
Tabatha Naylon
7366 No. Adeline Road Apt. 1#
Leaf River, Illinois 61047
That’s what Earth Angels do, we laugh together, we cry together, we pray together, we hold each other up, when our wings are to tired to fly….
Thank You & God Bless… ❤
Love ” Granny”
Earth Angel's of Ogle County 