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Chef Jody Adams’ father Thomas knew his health was declining when he could no longer complete the New York Times crossword puzzle.

The Brown University rare books librarian had never let physical limitations stand in his way, but when his brain stopped working the way he wanted it to — at age 87 — he knew that he needed to prepare for the end of his life.

Adams’ parents discussed his end of life wishes during a quiet, private evening before her mother, Virginia, let the rest of the family know. Thomas had decided to receive hospice care at home and in November 2008, the entire family gathered at his home in Providence, Rhode Island to care for him by his bedside.

Adams did what she knew best — she cooked for him.

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