Celebrating Resilience:
Soprano Sarah’s Inspiring Journey with Superstar Caregiver Hanoi
Ms. Sarah Aarons with Caregiver, Hanoi Mena
HouseCalls Home Care honors the extraordinary life of Sarah J Aarons.
As Sarah celebrates her 105th birthday on 29th September, Sigrid, her daughter & primary caregiver, shares their journey through the years.
Sarah’s life is a testament to resilience, the power of belief and family bonds. Her wisdom encourages us to take care of ourselves and cherish our relationships. “Do unto yourself as you would have others do unto you,” is Sarah’s version of the Golden rule, emphasizing the importance of self-love. Her journey’s shared by the incredible support of her PCA caregiver, Hanoi Mena, from HouseCalls Home Care.
Early life and Family
Sarah, born in 1919, is one of six siblings. Growing up in the Bronx, Sarah and her family persevered through significant adversity. When she was just four years old, her father, who worked on the Holland Tunnel, passed away, leaving her mother to raise her six children by herself. Despite difficult circumstances, Sarah’s spirit began to shine. She graduated from Evander Childs High School in 1938, where her love for music blossomed.
In her mid-teens, Sarah joined the choir at St. Philip’s in Harlem, where her passion for singing deepened. In 1946 (as the World War II ended), she went on a life-changing adventure with the USO Camp Shows, performing for troops overseas. As part of an all-Black musical revue, she traveled with the throughout the South Pacific, captivating audiences with her voice for 7 months.
After the war, Sarah enrolled in Howard University in 1947, where she met her future husband. Their love story began in a lunchroom, where he was “disarmed by her beauty”. They dated for a few years before getting married in 1954. Later, in 1959, Sarah graduated from NYU with a degree in occupational therapy after six years of night school, after working tirelessly on a day job.
She became a dedicated professional, working with special needs children in local schools, including PS 199 and PS 87. Even after retiring in 1985, she continued to work as a therapist for two more decades. Throughout her life, Sarah never let her love for music fade.
In 1989, she performed a concert at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall.
Sarah was crowned Miss New York Senior in 1996. Her rendition of “One Fine Day” from Madama Butterfly won her the Talent Award, showcasing her unending love for singing.
A Family of Adventurers
Sarah and her family loved to travel. Their journeys took them to Europe (from the Bosphorus Sea to the quaint villages of Northern Europe), and the stunning landscapes of Central America and West Africa. As a couple, Sarah and her husband embarked on many adventure trips (including a railway tour across the Indian subcontinent) and a momentous trip to Italy, where Sarah’s passion for opera intertwined with her love for travel.
The Adversity in the Golden years
After suffering a stroke at 84, she lost functional control on the right side of her body. Yet, her resilience shone through; she taught herself to write with her left hand. Her approach to challenges: “If Plan A doesn’t work, go to Plan B.”
After the stroke, the dynamics of their family changed. Her husband became her primary caregiver, a role he embraced even as he navigated his own physical and emotional challenges. Despite their struggles, they kept a vibrant life, attending performances at Lincoln Center and enjoying the arts that had always been a significant part of their lives.
The loss of Sarah’s husband in 2015 marked a significant turning point. The emotional toll of caregiving began to weigh on Sigrid who had to move in with her mother in 2016, eventually seeking professional help. Sigrid recalls the arduous search for a suitable caregiver, emphasizing the importance of finding the right match.
This search led her to HouseCalls Home Care in 2022, where they met Jade, who understood their unique needs. Jade connected them with Hanoi Mena, a compassionate and skilled PCA who quickly became an integral part of Sarah’s life.
Ms. Sarah Aarons sharing a warm moment with her dedicated HouseCalls caregiver, Hanoi Mena
A Day in the Life of Sarah
Hanoi’s arrival has transformed their daily routine. Each morning at 9:00 AM, she arrives promptly, ensuring Sarah’s personal care is handled with compassion and respect.
Their routine includes bathing Sarah in bed—an adaptation made necessary after a fall in 2021. Then comes a leisurely breakfast and a rigorous routine of Speech, Occupational therapy, and Physical Therapy appointments. Together, they enjoy simple pleasures, like visiting the park or attending local performances, all while supporting Sarah’s dignity and comfort.
Hanoi’s care extends beyond the physical; it provides emotional support for both Sarah and Sigrid. Sigrid acknowledges that without Hanoi’s aid, she would not have been able to support Sarah’s health and happiness at home. Sigrid says, “Oh, Hanoi’s wonderful! I can say categorically that she has been a Godsend! And that’s not hyperbole, that’s not overstated!”
Hanoi’s daily routine with Sarah highlights the importance of home aides in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. Hanoi’s role goes far beyond basic assistance. She is a companion, and a vital support system, enriching Sarah’s life and providing peace of mind for her family. Sigrid reflects on the importance of having reliable care, and emphasizes that the right support can make all the difference.
Sigrid’s heartfelt message to others seeking home care services is simple: “Hanoi helps us with the house, with the laundry, I can’t imagine if I had to do all that myself, I just wouldn’t be able to. Hanoi represents the difference between being able to care for mom from the comfort of her own home as opposed to having to place her. That’s the bottom line, and that’s why I think caregivers really should be considered because they are literally keeping people out of institutions. There’s no way that elders get the level of care in an institution that mom is getting here at home.”
Looking Ahead!
Last Sunday, as friends and family gathered to celebrate, they not just honored a birthday; they celebrated a life well-lived—a legacy of music, love, and an unyielding spirit that continues to inspire everyone around her.
With 40 relatives who gathered to celebrate (including cousins, nieces, and nephews from across the country), the event was a heartfelt tribute to Sarah’s life and legacy. What’s Sarah’s secret to a long and happy life? “Live in the moment. Accept life as it is. But don’t be defined by it.”
Happy 105th Birthday, Sarah! Your journey through life is a beautiful melody, and HouseCalls is grateful to share in your song.
If you or a loved one need compassionate and professional home care services, feel free to contact HouseCalls Home Care at 718-922-9200. We’re here to help you find the right support for your unique needs.