When Jean smiles, it’s not just her lips that curve upward. Her eyes sparkle and her entire face radiates joy. Seeing her, you can’t help but smile. Especially when you find out how much she has overcome to be able to smile so brightly.
At 86 years old, Jean remembers the day of her accident nine years ago like it was yesterday. Her affectionate, energetic dog kept her active. As part of their daily routine, they’d take the many flights of stairs back to her apartment after a walk around the neighborhood. While climbing the stairs that day, Jean slipped, lost her balance, and fell backwards. She broke her spine which led to a lengthy hospital stay.
An author and early childhood educator for over 50 years, Jean prided herself in being active—physically and intellectually—and contributed to Hawaii’s local schools by writing specialized reading materials and curriculum for young students who struggled to read. But now, even after years of physical and occupational therapy, she struggles to stand for more than just a few minutes at a time.
“Being confined to my apartment changed my world dramatically,” she says. “I was lonely and all of my attention became focused on taking the next step. I was learning how to use a motorized scooter to get around, and I spent all my energy on healing and trying to move again.”
Worst of all, she could no longer take care of her constant companion, and she agreed to have her dog live with a family member. Jean also struggled to cook for herself. She was not getting the nutrition she needed. She was battling chronic back pain, along with fibromyalgia, and arthritis and a poor diet further aggravated her symptoms. It was a neighbor who recommended calling Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels with a request for help.
Once connected, Jean gained a team of support. Each day, she looks forward to the arrival of her meal delivery driver Keoki who brings her hot meals Monday through Friday. As she and Keoki talk story, they light up her apartment hallway with humor and warmth.
”The meals are so nutritious! My favorites include anything with pasta also the kalua pork with cabbage,” she says. “And Keoki, who delivers my meals is fantastic! He takes the time to ask how I’m doing. My meals remind me that I am not alone and that there’s so much to be grateful for.”
HMoW is the only organization in the state that provides a variety of medically-tailored meals like those that Jean receives. Whether meals are minced for those with difficulty chewing or cardiac, renal, and diabetic-friendly, our team works with our kūpuna’s medical professionals, their families, and our kitchen nutritionists to provide meals that are both ono and packed with proper nutrients for each kūpuna.
Home-delivered meals help Jean continue the work she’s so passionate about while staying healthy at home.
From her bedroom, which was converted to a workroom, she has written the manuscript for her next book, prepared workshop materials, and organized articles about early education. Home means so much more than just a place to rest for Jean. While much has been taken from her, she’s still able to hold onto some independence with a place she can truly call her own.
This year, we expect to deliver more than 150,000 meals. That means we have thousands of opportunities to help people like Jean. To me, that’s an incredible opportunity that I don’t think any of us want to miss. Especially because there are so many hungry and isolated kūpuna in our community who are in desperate need of support.
