I consider myself quite fortunate that the Ombudsman contacted me, especially since that's not the norm, to become power of attorney for Ms. Frieda after her longtime friend passed suddenly of cancer.  Apparently this person didn't want to burden her friend with such distressing news.  Bob was a little apprehensive too but the initial powers for financial were granted. 

Being new you sometimes forget items, like an Advance Health Care Directive, so that came later.

I remember the time that I called Ms. Frieda and she was speaking Swiss-German to me.  I asked her to speak English to me but she couldn't.  I told her I would be by shortly and then called the main desk and asked them to call an ambulance because I thought she had a stroke -- when a person reverts to their primary language, it's usually a sure sign.  Remember, I was relatively new to the field.  The doctor wanted to know my background that I was able to identify UTI (urinary tract infection).  Um, what?  He said that UTI in the elderly can cause dementia-like symptoms, like forgetting secondary languages. 

How about the time I went shopping for a new bed with her at Plummers (Bob said she needed a new bed) and she fought with me in front of the sales guy that she had a queen bed and needed a king because the queen was too small.  Dude!  Don't look at me that way!  So I let her choose the king and bought a queen.

She was by far the best client and my longest.  She made me cry (when she was in the MRI) and made me laugh when I brought my dog.  I have only fond memories and count my blessings that she was a part of my life...and my new career.

I shall miss you Ms. Frieda!