Lasting Touch

A mother and son’s journey of joy, challenges, sadness and discovery

For nearly ten years Jean-François visited his widowed and unwell mother every other week, to ensure her comfort. Regularly, he invited her to come and live with him. Each time Lise, his mother, kindly refused saying she was not ready. One spring day, she called and asked: “Is the offer still good?” Not long after that life changing conversation began a journey of joy, challenges, sadness, and discovery.

Through the good times as well as the challenging times, both learned the importance of communication, of listening, and the high importance that an elderly parent puts on independence, dignity, respect, and comfort.

This story reveals the many events that transpired during a nearly four-year period. For Lise, this was a journey she willingly undertook, accompanied by her youngest son, and the many learning challenges and discoveries they shared. For Jean-François, the experience of being his mother’s primary

caregiver had a tremendous lasting impact that continues to be felt today by those whose paths he crosses.