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.
To reach 100 years is a major achievement, a milestone to honor. For the family of Rowland Moore, the milestone was bittersweet.
Mr. Moore was about to turn 100 years old as he was dying. His family was grieving what they knew was coming even as they were eager to acknowledge this milestone. They knew their patriarch would most likely not live until his birthday, which was just over a week away. His only child, daughter Cheryl Moore, decided to throw a family celebration and birthday party on June 26, 2021.
It was too important a milestone NOT to be celebrated, so they would celebrate it early.
On the special day, she brought in old, framed photos. In one, a dashing Mr. Moore is in uniform, home visiting while serving in the army during World War II. In another, he is still dashing later in life, standing next to Ruby, his beautiful wife.
They worked with our Compassionate Care Center staff to host the gathering. The family had a beautiful cake and refreshments. Our staff supplied party plates, napkins, and cups. The family also had a milestone-worthy banner made. Mr. Moore’s career was in signs, so this was fitting.
Volunteer John Scully and two care team members helped roll Mr. Rowland’s bed onto the back patio, where his family were gathered. They hung the banner over his bed, and his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family gathered around him. They sang happy birthday, shared cake and ice cream, and honored a century of life.
It was a gift to be able to watch this family come together in this way, intent on honoring every second of life even as they prepared for Mr. Rowland’s death. We were honored to witness and support it.
We are grateful to Mr. Rowland and his family for allowing us to share their inspiring story of making every moment count.
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:
Give a Heart for Hospice in February
Celebrating Teresa Turner’s Retirement
News & Events
Give a Heart for Hospice in February
During the month of February, several local banks and businesses are hosting the annual “Hearts for Hospice” fundraising event. When you visit the lobby or drive-through of a participating bank or business, you will have the opportunity to request a memorial heart for a donation of at least one dollar. Donors write their name or…
Celebrating Teresa Turner’s Retirement
On January 31, Teresa Turner, APRN, will retire from Hospice Care Plus after more than 24 years of service. An open-house retirement party will be held Friday, January 31, between 12 PM and 2 PM at Hospice Care Plus & Compassionate Care Center on 350 Isaacs Lane in Richmond. All are invited to drop by…
Journaling Through Grief: A New Grief Support Series
Hospice Care Plus is offering a new grief support series called Journaling Through Grief, starting Jan. 14 and ending June 24. The group will meet every second and fourth Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Madison County Public Library in Berea. Enrollment is limited to 12 and is open to anyone in the community. Register…
Grief and Loss During Holidays and Milestones
Holidays can be a uniquely difficult time for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
You may find that grief will surface over and over, or that milestone events or holidays pull you back into your grief, or you may be surprised that grief is missing on these special days. Our grief comes in many forms and doesn’t follow a calendar.