Isabel's Life at McAuley
by Marlo Cohen
We wanted to share a bit about how the incredible staff at McAuley Residence has made a positive impact supporting our daughter, Isabel, and our family during her first year at Misericordia.
When we arrived, we were all a little flustered with the unavoidable whirlwind of activity and our emotions. Then one of Isabel’s nurses quoted us a line from Rocky to help us remember her name. Having someone make you laugh in a stressful moment is a kindness. She lightened the mood, and just like that, it was easier to trust others with Isabel and let go a little.
A St. Patrick’s Day To Remember 
by Terri Rafter
I recently had the pleasure of tagging along on the bus to go to the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade. What a fun experience that was! Not only did the staff show respect, patience and kindness to each resident, but the residents themselves were kind and helpful to each other. Added to their kindness is their sheer exuberance and joy. For some reason, laughter is the key to their happiness. Giggles and belly laughs come so easily to the residents. Wish we could all live our lives that way!
What the Heck is "Man Cave"? 
by Rick Nash
About two years ago, my son Bryan, who is a resident at Shannon Apartments, told me on the phone that he was late for “Man Cave”. Man Cave? What the heck is Man Cave? Bryan just said he needed to be there and hung up the phone. Later, I learned that Man Cave was a program started by one of the Shannon Qs. It’s part physical fitness, part team building, part motivational exercise, part dance party, and really a lot of fun. Here's how the Shannon Q describes the Man Cave:
"Man Cave was created to address the challenges faced by the guys at Shannon Apartments, especially some of their health issues related to weight gain and not-so-great eating habits. Many of them struggled to express these concerns, so I wanted to provide a safe, open space for them to come together and be vulnerable without feeling less than a man. The program encourages physical fitness and unity, teaching the guys not only how to work out, but also valuable life lessons like motivation, accountability, and teamwork.
A Tribute to Bob Erlenbaugh 
by Judy Wall
About a month ago, Bob Erlenbaugh (of “Bob and Madge” fame) passed away, leaving a big hole in the hearts of many of us at Misericordia. Below are thoughts from a handful of folks--staff, residents, parents--that his kind heart touched over the years here at Mis.
“Bob, along with Madge, of course, became a fixture at all things Misericordia, from formal events, like directing the Heartzingers Choir at the MFA dinners and Family Fest, to informal visits at resident homes...and spontaneous conversations anywhere and everywhere in between (i.e., sidewalks, GHI, etc.). Much of this had to do with his general enthusiasm towards life - "Never better!" - was his ready response to, "How's it going?" - but also his zeal towards faith and family. In the people and mission of Misericordia, he recognized and delighted in an opportunity to attend to both and did so for years and years with ever ready hands and an open heart.”
A Heartfelt Story 
by Merrily Smith
Like most Misericordia parents, I have a deep appreciation for the staff that serves my son, Tyler. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication, and I try not to take that for granted.
Day after day, they are there making sure our guys are safe and well cared for. It is not something we usually think of, but they spend more time with our kids than we do, and because of that, they sometimes pick up on things that we may not notice during home visits or when we visit them on campus. Once such time really stands out to me…
Misericordia Brownies Are a Sensation in the South 
by Judy Wall
Every Christmas, I send a tin of Misericordia brownies to my brother and his family in Atlanta. I address it to one of his kids, my 24-year-old nephew, Price. Price LOVES them, and my card with the brownies always says, "Dear Price, Please distribute these as you see fit." He MIGHT share a few of them with the rest of the family every now and again, but it’s rare. It's become a family tradition/joke.
Price also came to Misericordia a few years ago. He visited his cousin Christy at DT and brought McDonald’s lunch to her room there. During his visit, Price caught the heart of Mis, of the people who care for Christy and her friends, and of the life they have. We look forward to his thank-you notes after Christmas each year. Maybe others will enjoy them, too. Here are a couple of the notes:
Ryan Jennings, Color Guard for the Shannon Rovers 
by Holly Jennings
If you see a resident all decked in shamrock clothing, you can be sure it is Ryan Jennings. Ryan loves his Irish heritage, and he specifically loves the bagpipes. When Ryan was a young boy before living at Misericordia, we would attend Family Fest every year. When the Shannon Rovers played, Ryan would dash away to find them to hear the beautiful music.
Years later, when he became a resident, I asked one of the Rovers if Ryan could carry the flag at Family Fest. I bought him a kilt online, and he carried the flag proudly. But after this experience, he wanted more! He told me he wanted to march with the Shannon Rovers at the Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day parade. I said, no, that’s probably not possible.
Mass at Misericordia
by Linda Buchalo
There are many times that I truly appreciate Misericordia, but Saturday Mass is one occasion when I always feel grateful that my son, Andy, lives here. The entire ceremony is a testament to all that is good in the Misericordia community. This article is my personal story of the two reasons why this liturgy has so much meaning for me.
As a child, going to church was something I tolerated because I wasn’t given an option. I didn’t really learn to appreciate the Mass until I was older and began to understand more about the faith that I had always practiced. Andy has always been tuned in to liturgy. Many times, when I was cross or impatient with him, he reminded me what the priest said at his homily. If the presider skipped over a word or even a prayer, Andy would be sure to bring it up after Mass. He always looks forward to going to church. One of my concerns for Andy was finding a place where he can attend Mass, grow in his faith, and continue to participate in something that is very important to him.
Michael’s Faith Journey
by Deborah Early
When Michael entered Misericordia Home, he had attended church but was not Catholic. We encouraged him to attend Mass and participate in any religious events on campus. Michael immediately became interested in the Mass and was intrigued with the concept of carrying the cross. Father Jack told him there was a long wait list. After a few years and a lot of pestering from Michael, Father Jack explained that he had to be Catholic to serve at Mass. Michael’s response? “How do I become Catholic?” When asked if he really wanted to do that, he expressed an interest in learning more about it and then making a decision.
Truly A Heart Full of Mercy
by Jule Ward
For thirty years, our family shared the care of two of our children, Kristin and Johnny, with Misericordia Home. Many treasured memories of our family’s time at Misericordia live in my heart, but the ones I remember best are times when its generosity of spirit lit up like a giant Christmas tree.
In 1985, when we took our son Johnny for his first visit to the school, we shared dinner with a friendly group of fellows in one of the Village Homes. At the end of dinner, one resident pushed back his chair. “I’d like to stay and have dessert with you,” he said, “but it’s my night to volunteer at the homeless shelter.” His words solidified my instinct that Johnny would find love and empathy among his new housemates.
Some years later, the students at the Learning Center engaged in a geography program which focused deeply on one nation each year. Through their studies, they became aware of hunger in the world. This realization heightened the gratitude they felt for the abundance of care they received at Misericordia and motivated them to help those less favored. With their teachers’ help, they organized an on-campus “Walk for Hunger”. Family and friends pledged funds to support the walk.
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