Nana’s 90th Bea Cronin’s daughter curls Bea’s hair before her 90th birthday celebration at Massachusetts General Hospital, February 14th, 2016. Bea celebrated her birthday in the hospital after having a mini stroke a few weeks earlier. Her 5 children and their families journeyed to Boston to be with her on her special day. Bea suffers from worsening dementia which was amplified while she was in the hospital; she would fluctuate between confusion, frustration and sadness. Often, she would reach out to grab one of her family member’s comforting hands. Here her granddaughter Riley holds her hand. Riley and her parents flew from D.C. to Boston to spend the weekend with Bea. Bea, a devout Irish Catholic, found solace in her faith during her difficult stay at the hospital. Her family would take turns praying the Rosary with her and reading Psalm 23 from the prayer card. She would often ask to see “the man with the sheep.” The familiarity of prayer helped soothe her agitation and confusion. The hospital room was often filled to the brim with Bea’s large family. When the amount of people got too overwhelming, the family would take turns visiting with Bea. Bea’s 90th birthday cake. Her face lit up as everyone sang happy birthday. Even after family members went back for seconds, there was still cake left at the end of the night; a welcome surprise for the nurses on night shift. Kevin Cronin, Bea’s son, sits with his mother. Bea takes a nap. Kaitlin Cronin, 10 years old, gives a long goodbye hug to her Nana. Kailtin was worried about her grandmother and didn’t want to leave.
