Grief and Loss

Archives
Rory at Movie 2

To See a Movie in the Theater

Elizabeth, 27 years old, felt a strong connection with Joey Feek and very much wanted to see the movie, “To Joey, with Love.” But our medical team was concerned that Elizabeth might not be with us by October 6, when the movie was to be shown for the last time.

we honor veterans

To Be Thanked for His Service

Honoring those who have served our country is one of our greatest joys. Not everyone understands how important it can be for a veteran to be formally recognized for their service, especially as the end of life nears.

Fred and sam 3

To Have Coffee with an Old Friend

When we ask our patients what’s most important to them or what’s on their minds, what we are trying to do is learn. We can’t meet a need that we haven’t learned about. Many needs are relatively obvious and easy to meet: a walker for support, a new medication to treat a new symptom, for instance. Other needs take time to reveal themselves, but they are no less important.

tattoo 1

To Make a Meaningful Mark

We all have bucket-list wishes. Sometimes the thing you want to do seems simple, like getting a tattoo, but is really about much more–claiming and honoring someone you love, for instance.

Sue and Charlie Conner 3

To Make Sure Sue Keeps Dancing

Charlie Conner and his wife Sue spent the winter at their Florida home for 17 years. He loved the warm weather, dancing with his love of 52 years, and listening to her sing.

Faced with life without her longtime husband, a grieving widow learns to drive, with the help of a special hospice friend.

To Learn to Drive

In this reflection from a current staff member and former volunteer at Hospice Care Plus,  we learn that sometimes, even family members of hospice patients have important bucket-list items. I became acquainted with hospice as a volunteer while in college. My first assignment was with an older couple I’ll call Mr. and Mrs. C. I…

Handmade sympathy cards made by teens who have lost loved ones.

To Show Other Kids You Understand

Have you ever tried to buy a sympathy card for a child or teenager who’s lost a loved one? It’s very hard to find something that fits.