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.
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. For some, these bedside ceremonies are the first time they’ve experienced that kind of recognition. For Jack, a Korean War veteran, being honored for his service meant more than we could have imagined.
Jack’s family shared with us that the Korean War was often referred to as “The Forgotten War,” and veterans who served in this war sometimes feel overlooked. Jack’s hospice team got to work on planning a recognition for his service. They reached out to Honor Flight Bluegrass, out of Louisville, and plans were underway to get Jack on the next flight to Washington, D.C. Although Jack appreciated the offer, he ultimately decided that a ceremony at home would be best, so we brought the honor flight to him.
On a chilly October evening, members from the local American Legion, along with a representative from Honor Flight Bluegrass, helped us recognize Jack for his dedicated service as a Korean War veteran. There were a few tears, but mostly big smiles and a lot of stories from Jack’s days in the Korean War. His sister said he’d long been waiting for this day – a day to be formally thanked.
How can you honor life during National Hospice & Palliative Care Month? Visit the #WeHonorLife campaign page to learn about all the ways you can help, from volunteering and shopping to helping us increase access to specialized care for the seriously ill and their families. Questions? Contact us at hospice@hospicecp.org or 859-986-1500 or visit our website.
Hospice Care Plus empowers those we serve to enjoy the highest quality of life, respecting their values, beliefs, needs, and goals through specialized care, education, resources, and grief support.
Our Service Area:
Our Home Hospice and Home Palliative Care programs serve you, wherever you call home, in the Kentucky counties of Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle.
Our inpatient care facility, the Compassionate Care Center, and administrative offices are located in Richmond, Kentucky.
Recent News:
Journaling Through Grief Series Hosted in Irvine
News & Events
Karaoke Fundraiser at Purdy’s on June 11
Mr. Don Ray, a Hospice Care Plus patient, has a bucket-list wish. And, amazingly, that bucket-list wish is to do something for someone else. He has asked if he can do a small fundraiser for Hospice Care Plus, because he wants to give something back to the people caring for him and for others. So,…
Miracles Through Music Coming June 27
For the fourth year, the family and friends of Jason Newby will celebrate his life with a special evening of music to raise funds for Hospice Care Plus. Miracles through Music: Celebrating Jason Newby will take place Saturday, June 27 from 4-7 pm at Gillum’s Sports Lounge in Richmond (located in the former Richmond Mall).…
Sag Hollow Benefit Golf Tournament June 27
Volunteers in Lee and Owsley counties have once again organized a benefit golf tournament for Hospice Care Plus. The 2015 Sag Hollow Golf Tournament will take place Saturday, June 27 at the beautiful Sag Hollow Golf Course on 1205 Sag Hollow Road in Booneville. The cost is only $50 per player and includes 2 mulligans,…
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…