07 JUL 2016

Program Makes Dreams Come True

The children of NorthBay Hospice patient Millie Cheechov came from near and far to celebrate her birthday at Pietro's #1 in Vacaville.

In June, two NorthBay Hospice patients had a chance for dreams to come true, through the Dream of a Lifetime program, one of the few programs in the United States that grants wishes of adults in hospice.

After a few phone calls and some crafty coordination, Linda Pribble, NorthBay Bereavement volunteer and Dream of a Lifetime coordinator, was able to report that dreams came true for two special patients.

Mildred Cheechov wished that her family could gather with her for a birthday lunch at her favorite Vacaville restaurant, and Tempie Williams was hoping for some new, colorful clothes.

Dream Dinner Party


Roots go way back in Vacaville history for Millie and her husband, John. A cake honors NorthBay Hospice patient Millie Cheechov.

The couple met when they were students at Vacaville High School in the late 1940s and they had a common background: Millie's family of dairy farmers had come to Dixon by way of Thornton, and the Cheechovs immigrated to Vacaville from Russia more than 100 years ago, making a living raising cows, sheep, lambs and hay.

After Millie and John married in 1950, they had four children, and when she wasn't raising the first two children, she worked at the original Nut Tree Restaurant.
But when it was time to relax, Millie and John loved to dine at Pietro's #1. Eating there became a tradition for the family.

John came under NorthBay Hospice care and passed away in 2004.

Since the restaurant held many fond memories, it seemed the perfect place to bring her family together again for a birthday celebration. On a Saturday in early June, more than a dozen of Millie's family members - some from the area and others from Nevada and Oregon - were greeted by Pietro's general manager Jennifer Kramer, who had set aside a special table just for them. A wrist corsage was presented by the patient's daughter, Pam, and balloons were delivered by Deb's Balloons, as was a specially made devil's food cake, baked by Lucky's baker Bridgette Datzman-Brown. The day was captured on film by Dr. Terry Van Aken, an avid amateur photographer, and Millie's NorthBay Hospice physician.

"After the party, the group actually celebrated all weekend long, until they had to return to their respective homes," noted Dr. Van Aken, who has treated Millie and members of her family for nearly 30 years. He later presented Millie with framed and matted photos he had taken at the Pietro's event.

A Shopping Spree 


Tempie was born 92 years ago in Goldsboro, N.C., the second of seven children. She dropped out of school when she was in the fourth-grade to pick cotton. She later moved to Phoenix where she married James Williams, who was in the military. They had a daughter, Rene, who attended 14 schools, because of her dad's military service required many moves.

"All through my life my mother dressed me," Rene said. "She made my clothes and loved to shop; she was a real 'fashionista!'"

Tempie Williams' great-granddaughters vie for her vote of approval on clothing choices.

Tempie went on to finish her GED and later in life opened four licensed "board and care" homes in San Francisco. Rene recalls grocery shopping with her mother the first of each month. "We bought a month's worth of food to prepare home-cooked meals for the residents so that no one would go hungry."

"Whatever you do, do it with excellence," is what Tempie taught Rene. "Yes, my mama is a woman with great heart. She always cared for and took care of people." The family of Tempie Williams turned out for a family portrait prior to having lunch together at Applebee's at the mall.

Now it's time to take care of Tempie, and her Dream of a Lifetime was to shop for new clothes, to touch the fabric and dress in a way that made her feel like herself again.

Some members of the Dream Team contacted Judy Miller, manager at Macy's in the Solano Mall, who agreed to meet with Tempie and her family - daughter Rene Clark; granddaughter Kimberly; great grandchildren Tempie Lee, Layla, Price and Trew; and great great grandchildren Tempie Lee and Christiana - at the store for a shopping spree.

Sully's Transport picked Tempie up from her residence at Fairfield Post Acute Rehab where she was lovingly hugged and sent off by Jo Anne Van Dyke, administrator, and Jennifer James, director of community relations. She arrived a short time later at Macy's where her relatives were waiting. Within minutes the entourage had descended on the clothing racks, and before long, Tempie was watching her grandchildren present her with clothing choices. "What do you think about this, Grandma?" "This would look so nice on you!" Tempie Williams' daughter, Rene, helps her mother select a few blouses.

Her excellent taste in clothes was proven again, as she selected bright and colorful clothes, creating several glamorous outfits.

Next the group was off to "Picture Perfect," to have a family portrait made.

The finale was lunch at Applebee's. A large table had been set and the family took their places with Tempie at the head. NorthBay Hospice nurse Kathleen Diaz, R.N., was on hand to assure Tempie remained comfortable throughout the meal. Laughter and smiles were shared, and Judy Miller from Macy's arrived to present all the women in the group with cosmetic gift bags, a lovely gesture, noted Linda.

As Tempie was being lifted into the transport van for her return home, she turned to her nurse, Kathleen. "You know, this was the best day!"

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