Hospice draws a special breed of person. My anxiety related to dad dropped considerably when hospice kicked in. They cared for him, loved on him, and some how came to know him and be trusted by him in a time when his functioning was at its lifetime low. Such a gift.
I really have no idea how people are able to do this work all day, every day--but I'm eternally grateful that there are people who follow this calling.
First of all, sounds like you have a great hospice team. My dad did as well in his last months. Secondly, this is the third summer I’m not working summer camp or teaching. It’s been a blessing and much needed for physical and mental health. I enjoy days of doing nothing; it’s recharging for the next school year. Lastly, I’ll be praying for all of you.
As a former hospice chaplain whose wife was a hospice nurse before she retired, I appreciate hearing about your appreciation for hospice and your gratitude for not having put it off.
Mom has been on home hospice twice, and taken off twice. Hospice folks are simply amazing. I'm not any kind of religious at all, but it's like holy work. The kindest, nicest, most patient and realistic people I've ever met.
I can totally relate to this. It was such a relief when my dad, who had advanced prostate cancer, and my mom, who had dementia, went on hospice. Suddenly there is a team caring for your loved one instead of just you.
Hospice draws a special breed of person. My anxiety related to dad dropped considerably when hospice kicked in. They cared for him, loved on him, and some how came to know him and be trusted by him in a time when his functioning was at its lifetime low. Such a gift.
I really have no idea how people are able to do this work all day, every day--but I'm eternally grateful that there are people who follow this calling.
First of all, sounds like you have a great hospice team. My dad did as well in his last months. Secondly, this is the third summer I’m not working summer camp or teaching. It’s been a blessing and much needed for physical and mental health. I enjoy days of doing nothing; it’s recharging for the next school year. Lastly, I’ll be praying for all of you.
As a former hospice chaplain whose wife was a hospice nurse before she retired, I appreciate hearing about your appreciation for hospice and your gratitude for not having put it off.
Mom has been on home hospice twice, and taken off twice. Hospice folks are simply amazing. I'm not any kind of religious at all, but it's like holy work. The kindest, nicest, most patient and realistic people I've ever met.
Hearing and supporting every word.
It's good to hear of your garden, and your reading and writing. I suspect Mike would be cheering you on if he could. 👏
He absolutely would, Patricia. That's part of the reason why I'm able to keep doing the things I love--because I know he'd be so sad if I didn't.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Sending light and strength.
I can totally relate to this. It was such a relief when my dad, who had advanced prostate cancer, and my mom, who had dementia, went on hospice. Suddenly there is a team caring for your loved one instead of just you.
Exactly. It's so helpful to know that I'm not out here calling the shots completely on my own anymore.
That’d incredible information.
What a beautiful essay about walking in the shadow of the valley—as you so eloquently put it. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Thank you for being an example of what it looks like to be a caregiver who also takes care of herself. We need people mirroring that behavior for us.