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.
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.
To Marry the Love of My Life
This summer, in the middle of a pandemic and while my soon-to-be husband was receiving hospice care, I married the love of my life.
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.
To Taste Home Once More
It’s not surprising many hospice patients turn their thoughts to family, family traditions, and even childhood.
To Find a Home for A Navy Veteran
One afternoon, our hospice, Hospice Care Plus, was called to see if we could help a young Navy veteran, Mr. Jones (name changed), who was essentially homeless.
To Visit My Favorite Fishing Hole
Mr. Smith (name changed) loved to fish. Every weekend for most of his life, he managed to fit in a time to fish for a while at his favorite fishing hole. His wife, Mary, often told us that his fishing spot was like his second home.
