Life in The Home of the Holy Family: Between Joy and Farewell

Stories full of humanity unfold every day at The Home of the Holy Family. The local community creates a space where people with intellectual disabilities can lead active and fulfilled lives. It’s not just about providing care – it’s about creating a true home where joyful moments intertwine with challenging ones, exactly as life tends to be.

„Contact with the outside world is incredibly important for our clients, just as contact with them is enriching for the outside world,“ says Táňa Wieluchová, head of direct care. „Each of our clients has their unique gift – some draw beautifully, others enjoy baking and cooking. Their profound gazes and ability to empathize with others are exceptional.“

Advent Crafting and Gatherings

The Advent season brought lots of joy and creative activities to The Home of the Holy Family. „Together, we dove into baking Christmas cookies, which is always one of the most popular activities,“ Wieluchová describes the pre-Christmas atmosphere. „Clients also enthusiastically made Advent wreaths. Each wreath is original and reflects its creator’s personality.“

A visit from kindergarten children was another unforgettable event. „It was touching to watch the children bring hand-baked gingerbread cookies and distribute them to our clients,“ recalls Táňa Wieluchová. „When the children told our clients ‚Get well soon,‘ we realized how important it is to teach even the youngest to help and accept differences.“

Farewell to Jarmilka

Life in The Home of the Holy Family also brings difficult moments. In November, the community had to say goodbye to long-term resident Jarmilka. „It was a period full of deep emotions, but also extraordinarily blessed,“ Wieluchová recalls with emotion. „We offered Jarmilka’s mother the opportunity to spend her daughter’s final days with us in The Home of the Holy Family. She brought photo albums and spent hours by Jarmilka’s bed telling us about her childhood. In those final moments, we all felt that life doesn’t end with just the earthly journey. The mother’s last wish was to care for her daughter until the end – and this dream came true. She could be with her until the last minute.“

When Jarmila took her last breath, other residents of The Home of the Holy Family came to say goodbye in their own way. „Mirek, who always complemented Jarmilka so beautifully, stroked her and simply said ‚She’s sleeping.‘ Jiřinka brought her a little angel she had made,“ Táňa Wieluchová remembers these touching moments.

„When the funeral home came for Jarmilka, I knew we couldn’t leave her mother alone,“ continues Wieluchová. „I offered to handle the necessary formalities together and then have lunch together. It was important not to let emptiness prevail.“

Part of a Larger Family

Jarmilka’s mother remains part of our family. „We reminded her that her relationship with The Home of the Holy Family doesn’t end,“ explains Wieluchová. „Many of our clients grew up together in a border institution when they were children, their parents have known each other for decades. They are part of a larger family.“

On Thursday, December 19, a memorial mass for Jarmilka will be held at The Home of the Holy Family, where residents, their families, and friends will gather to honor her memory. „It’s precious when someone can leave this world at home, surrounded by love and care. That’s the gift we could give to Jarmilka and her mother,“ concludes Táňa Wieluchová.