Caregiver Claire Abel writes about her mother’s 105th birthday
Amazingly, Caregiver of the Month, Claire Abel, has been caring for her mother, Anne Beversluis for 18 years!
And what a history Anne has!
Born in 1909, Anne’s father John Leskowits insisted she go to work to help support the family after she completed the eighth grade. Despite wanting to go to school to become a teacher, Anne went to work at Paterson Silk Mills in New Jersey for Heller and Hart Hatband Company. What did this early teenager do? Her daughter, Claire, writes, “She worked as a ‘winder’ which meant she wound silk thread to be made into men’s hat bands.”
Although, it wasn’t all work and no play in the Leskowits household.
Anne loved to dance and her father played German music every weekend with his band in the local dance halls, according to Claire.
At twenty-four, Anne married John Beversluis in New York City and they had three children–a son and two daughters. Claire was the middle child. Anne stayed home to raise her children. Her marriage lasted sixty years, and during their last year, Anne cared for John at home until his passing at age 87.
She lived alone for two years until her son-in-law, Claire’s husband Lyle, invited her to live with them in Oceanside, California. She moved from New Jersey and began a new life with Maltese puppies and assorted birds. Her curious and outgoing nature helped her form new friends in her adopted community and through her involvement in the church.
Her mind remained sharp as her eyes and ears were failing. Despite this, Claire writes, “She walked up 14 steps everyday to her bedroom on the second floor until she was 103.”
Today, Claire and her husband Lyle are able to keep Anne home because of help from two caregivers, Loy and Angie. These two caregivers have become part of the family due to their “gentleness, kindness, respect, and loving care that they give our Mom, known to them as ‘Mama’ and ‘Miss Anne’,” writes Claire.
Claire adds, “I think Mom’s secret for long life is that she was happily married for sixty years, she lived a simple life, and she was always content with what she had. I can’t ever remember her asking for anything! Mom’s faith in God is unwavering. She often wonders “why God has let me live so long.” She may never know the reason but she knows He is in control and she continues to give Him all the glory. I think that at age 105, Anne’s work here on earth is not yet complete. But until the day that He calls her home, her testimony will continue to be ‘Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Lord Unto Me’.”
Four generations of Anne’s family came together to celebrate with an early Thanksgiving turkey dinner and a birthday cake with one “105” candle. Good heavens! Can you imagine Anne having to blow out 105 candles?
What a testament to a life well-lived.
Thank YOU, Claire and your hubby for your inspiring care and love for Anne for the past eighteen years!
Claire Abel, her family, and her mom have made caregiving fun over the years. Read these related articles.
- Claire Abel on Finding Joy in Caregiving
- Finding My Own Joy in Caregiving
- Caregivers have FUN – “She ain’t heavy she’s my… “
- Oceanside Mayor Honors Resident’s 105th Birthday [UPDATE 5/19/2018: URL to utsandiego.com/ no longer available]
Thank you, dear Claire, it is wonderful. You really are treasuring every moment with your precious Mom, such a gift to you both. I forwarded it to my mom who is Caregiver for my dad – He has had Parkinson’s for 23 years and is 86 years old. He is basically bedridden now and my mom is so amazing.
Sending lots of love to you all.
Elaine
Claire,these articles are so encouraging and full of joy and love. I am certained many are being blessed and encouraged by each article. You have found an outreach ministry through social media as well as in your home. You have found the “joy in serving”that many do not. They miss out.
Thanks again for sharing these. Evelyn
Congrats, Claire, your dedication sure pays off. It’s hard work.
.Oh Claire! Thank you sooo much for sharing this article with me. Love the pictures with all the family. Your mom is a Celebrity Figure. Love that you are so devoted to her. Some of us are so lucky to have our parents or parent still with us. My mom will be 82 next month. She has the early stages of dimentia . Still lives on her own. Between my sisters & I we call her daily & at her house 2 or 3 times a week. We know that one day , we will have to do what you are doing . We’re ready to face what comes our way & with the faith of our Lord & his guidance we can do it. My mom loves to hear about your mother & she will be excited when I go to visit her this week to read these articles you sent. She just giggled when I told her your mother had favorite hymns by The Gaithers. My mom has EVERY video tape ever made by Bill Gaither . She still has her VCR & refuses to switch to DVD ! Lol, we were raised in Church of God and several of our family members are gospel singers . Good to hear from you & Big Hugs to your mom from NC!
Congratulations, Claire! You sure deserve the recognition! Caregiving is one of the hardest things to do. I’m sure that part of the reason that your Mom has lived so long has been because of your love and devotion. Her life is truly amazing. I will share this with Mom. God bless both you and your Mom.
What a blessing! Thanks for sharing! You are so blessed to have your mom with you for so many years. And she is to have you, too!
Love, Mary and Doug
Dear Claire,
I loved reading this.
Steve
…love this!!
I think God has Mama here (still, praise God) to impact lives like mine..anyone who knows her or sees you and Lyle love her…or hears how she cared for your daddy those years…sees Jesus, and that points right back to the reason we can love at all. what a gift she is..thank you for sharing her with us..drew and i just read the article.
Roni
Thank you for sharing this, Ms. Claire! You and Grandma Anne are special blessings in our life. We love you!
Katie
Claire, this story is so beautiful. What a great legacy it is to have cared so sweetly for your mom. The reason He has allowed her to live so long (to answer her question) it that she continues to be an inspiration to you, your friends (myself included) and neighbors and to pass along her faith that has served her so well.
Thank you for sharing it. Lynda used to tell me how she enjoyed lunches with you and your mom and she would also tell me how amazing your mom is.
Love, Eileen
Claire, You are a blessing to your mom, our family and the CCC family!
Thanks for sharing this article.
Alvin
Claire,
Great article! Praise the Lord for His mercies.
Pastor Phil
Bravo for being such a Godly daughter and son-in-law! Anne is magnificent and so are you guys! Love, Don
DEAR CLAIRE , THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR SHARING THIS WONDERFUL STORY WITH ME, YOU ARE A BLESSING FOR YOUR DEAR MOTHER. SHE LOOKS GREAT. ALSO THANK YOU FOR THE LOVELY PICTURE OF YOU AND LYLE, YOU BOTH LOOK WONDERFUL. LOVE, PEGGY
Dear Claire … Your love for your mom, Anne, is evident in how you and Lyle have continually cared for her all these years. You are also fortunate to have Loy and Angie by her side.
That is the nicest piece about you and your Mom, you both are amazing.
Love you, Diane
Thank you SO much, Claire, for sending me this article. I read it – and the others – with great interest. I first learned about your precious mom from my granddaughter, Grace. She used to tell me how she would go to your house and “help” you take care of your mom; how she would “help” push her up the stairs. Knowing my own physical limitations, and those my own mother had in the years before her going Home to Heaven, I could just about imagine the scene with this little girl being of “help” to you and your mom. God bless you and your loving husband for all you do for your mom. Remember, especially on those days when you are tired and it hurts to see her failing, that God promises strength for that one day. One day at a time. Continue to sing, as music will sooth the soul – and will be something we can enjoy throughout eternity.
Thank you, again, for sending the article. Caregiving is SUCH an important ministry – and you’ve nailed it!
Love you, Esther
Claire, You are a great daughter to your mom. Bless U Love, Pearl
Congratulations on this recognition, so deserved! I am proud of you. Love, Joey
WHAT A MAJOR FAN BASE you have, Claire! And it’s well-deserved! I’m glad people are taking time to share their words of appreciation. The stories of your caregiving, inspire caregivers to go on.
Oh its so beautiful! You are such an amazing woman auntie Claire. 18 years! I wish I knew ma when she was younger, the stories she told me of herself growing up are precious, I wish I knew more of them!
Love, Mary
A Beautiful testament to a wonderful family. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Dearest Claire
I am so very very proud of you and the way you serve our Lord in the ways you have cared over the years for you precious mother!!!
I read ALL the articles and was so moved by reading them. You are truly and inspiration to me and to many others as well.
I love you Claire!
Peggy
Dear Claire,
This is a lovely tribute. I wish my mother were still alive, although I’m not unaware of the work and responsibility. I know it hasn’t been easy for you and Lyle. You are both remarkable. In fact, all three of you are remarkable!
Love, Susan
Congratulations Claire and Anne. Seems like each year she’s as strong as the year before. God Bless both of you!
Happy New Year!
Larry
HELLO LADY CLAIRE…..WHAT A GREAT ARTICLE….I LOVED IT….AND OF COURSE THE PHOTO IS PRECIOUS…..(SMILE)…..GIVE MOM MY LOVE…..HAPPY NEW YEAR
Sincerely, Ms. Lillie
That is such a good write-up. You are all lucky to have each other!
Say hello to Lyle for me.
Take care!
Chris
Thanks for the link Claire!! Tell mom happy birthday for us. I’ll publish the link out to Covenant Christian Reformed Church in North Haledon, New Jersey. All her friends from her former congregation will love reading this…………JB
Anne and Claire are a beautiful example of love and care for each other. (I’m lucky enough to know them both.) Thanks for sharing this!