A Special Birthday

Our stories about meaningful experiences are written as they unfold. Therefore, most stories are in the present tense. Some of the patients in these stories are no longer with us. They, and their families, gave us permission to share their experience with you. For those who have since passed, we share these in their memories with deep appreciation for what they have taught us about life and living.

When Mr. George Poynter entered home hospice care six months ago, he and his family did not expect to see his 86^th birthday. But, as is often the case, his condition improved after coming home, where he felt most comfortable, and receiving expert care from an interdisciplinary team. 

George’s wife Icie says, “I think it was getting all those visits from hospice. We would encourage anyone who needs it to start early.”

When George’s doctor first suggested hospice care, he and Icie were reluctant. They didn’t understand that hospice care was not the same as no care at all.  He helped them understand that hospice care is specialized healthcare that improves a person’s daily quality of life, even when curative treatments are not an option.

Now, six months after his admission to hospice care, George was ready to celebrate that 86th birthday he didn’t think he would have. When he said he wanted his Hospice Care Plus care team to celebrate with him, the team was delighted. They immediately started working with George, Icie, and each other to plan a party.  Sally Iseral, George’s hospice chaplain, worked with Stefanie Manes, our development coordinator, to get a birthday cake donated. In no time at all, Kroger in Richmond agreed to donate a beautifully decorated cake. Julie Mullins, George’s hospice nurse, worked closely with him to ensure his symptoms were well controlled and he felt well on the day of his party.

On the special day, George’s social worker, Lisa Knicley, picked up the cake, Julie brought party favors, Lora Joan Poynter, George’s daughter, supplied the ice cream, and nursing assistant Dianna Moore helped the Poynters get ready for their guests.

Also present were Erin Delph, one of our admissions nurses, Jennifer Tomlinson, the director of our home hospice program, and Kelley Hoefer, a staff member who offered to take photographs that the family could have as reminders of this special birthday. Together we formed a respectable choir to sing Happy Birthday to George.  

With great determination, he blew out his candles and enjoyed cake and ice cream with his friends and family. Although he only had room for a couple of sips, what he seemed to enjoy most was washing his cake down with fresh, hot coffee.  With his eyes closed, he breathed in the rich aroma before taking a drink. 

Birthdays and sips of fresh coffee are small things, except sometimes they aren’t small at all.  They’re huge.

We are grateful to George and his family for allowing us to be a part of their lives and for showing us how to make every moment count.

We rely on compassionate volunteers and on contributions from individuals and groups to provide care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. To learn more, donate, or explore volunteer opportunities, visit hospicecareplus.org or call 859-986-1500.