11/28/2025
Yesterday’s gorgeous, mountainous feast has now been reduced to leftovers. All the hugs have been handed out, and the football games have been decided. As the day-after-Thanksgiving quiet settles in, we here at ICC would like to take a moment to recognize a group that doesn’t get nearly enough time in the spotlight:
The family members of those who live in long-term care facilities.
Making the decision to bring a loved one into long-term care is never easy. Steeling yourself to watch the gradual decline in health or abilities can be overwhelming. But here at ICC, we see every visit you make as nothing short of heroic.
We see it every day — residents sitting in the middle of the corridor, proudly telling anyone who walks by:
“My son is coming today!”
“My granddaughter just turned 12 and is bringing me a treat!”
And we are just as excited as they are.
The anticipation in their smiles… the way they look toward the door every time someone walks in… the joy that fills the room the moment you arrive — it’s palpable.
And that feeling doesn’t fade quickly. For days — sometimes weeks — they travel around the facility, proudly showing the bracelet you brought, or the balloon, or the small gift left behind. They hold it up to everyone they meet, even if that person has already seen it a dozen times. Their joy is renewed every single time they tell the story.
And when you leave, we are almost as grateful for the visit as the resident themselves. So today, we are deeply grateful and humbled by the grace and compassion that you bring with you every time you are here.
If it were within our power, we would declare this day your day and spend it celebrating your commitment and devotion. But with our limited capacity (and budget), all we can truly offer is a sincere and heartfelt:
Thank you for all that you do.
