In San Antonio, there's a unique home on Post Oak Lane that stands out for its offering of peace and reflection during life's final chapter. ABODE, a sanctum delivering "contemplative" end-of-life care, has hosted over 430 individuals in its near-decade of service, as per a recent report from San Antonio Report.

At ABODE, a non-profit initiative, up to three terminal patients at a time receive their care free of charge. Unlike many other private facilities, this caring space is to seamlessly blend into the fabric of its residential neighborhood, albeit offering a profound service. ABODE's CEO Mary Thorsby explained in a podcast that the approach is deliberate to "not rushed, we're very ... in the present with our people, recognizing that being with them and listening to them deeply is much more important than rushing around a room," as San Antonio Report detailed.

Thorsby depicts the facility as a "sacred space,” a serenely designed environment complete with a green backyard, old oak trees, art, music and a labyrinth for meditation. This holistic atmosphere reflects the ethos of ABODE, distinguishing it from other end-of-life care options. "We have a beautiful backyard filled with old oak trees. There’s music, art, yoga, meditation — we have a labyrinth. We’ve been called ‘God’s waiting room’ and it’s the most beautiful waiting room I’ve ever seen," she told San Antonio Report.

ABODE is part of the larger Omega Home Network, a group of similar programs across Texas and the nation. Thorsby noted the rising acknowledgment of such care's value across the country: "I think people all over the country are realizing the importance of providing a place for folks at end of life," she said. ABODE has even launched a certification program for "death doulas," equipping individuals with the skills to offer compassionate end-of-life support, already training approximately 60 people to date.

During her conversation with San Antonio Report, Thorsby shared a poignant memory of a man who arrived at ABODE without any possessions, indicating the non-material nature of the facility's care. "He had absolutely nothing … not even a pair of shoes," she said. "All he has are his tattoos. And he was he was gone." This stark experience speaks to the center's mission to provide dignity and warmth in the final days, regardless of one's life circumstances.