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.
All her life, Lois Harrison used the gift of her voice to express and share her faith. Singing was very important to her. But, now in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease, Lois could no longer speak.
It is very important to our care teams that people know their lives have meaning even though they face new limitations. Sally, a chaplain at our hospice, wanted Lois to know that her life and her work still had great meaning, even without her voice.
Lois wasn’t just a singer, she was a songwriter too. One song she had written, “Welcome Home,” had special meaning now. She wanted to use her recorded voice to share that meaning and encourage others.
Lois has been singing with Allen and the Arvin Sisters (she was one of the sisters) for long enough that the only recording of “Welcome Home” was on cassette tape.
She, Sally, and Mr. Harrison came up with a plan to digitize the song so they could share it with faith communities, whom they’d ask to play it on a specific Sunday. She needed a digital version if she was going to share it with churches.
We created a video for social media featuring the song and put out a public call for help with the digitizing project.
Shaunna Patton, a social worker with Caretenders at the time, connected us with Pastor B.J. Strautman with Living Water Church. He agreed to digitize the song for Lois so that she could share it with worship leaders to use.
Parkinson’s may have taken Lois Harrison’s voice, but never her ability to share her faith with others.
The following video was created to honor Lois’s wish to share her gift with others. We share it here with deep respect, in her memory.
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.
1 Comment
Leave a Comment
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
Rockin’ Derby Eve Benefit Party May 3
Reservations are now open for the area’s longest-running Derby Eve party. Rockin’ Derby Eve will take place Friday, May 3, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Madison County Fair Grounds’ Richardson Hall. Reservations are open through May 1. Although the name has changed over the years – Bourbon, Boots & BBQ, the Gala on…
Positive Payload Program awards $250.00
American Trucks has awarded Hospice Care Plus $250.00 through its Positive Payload Program. These unrestricted grants are awarded to non-profits who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their community and who rely on the use of specified pickup trucks to help serve their mission. Organizations are selected from applications on an ongoing basis,…
Give a Heart for Hospice in Feb.
During the month of February, the community is invited to give a heart for Hospice. All month long, this fundraiser gives you the opportunity to show your support by donating for a heart for Hospice online or at participating banks. It takes a lot of heart to provide care for all, regardless of insurance status…
Volunteer Training March 2
In-Person Volunteer Training March 2 Hospice Care Plus is hosting an in-person training for new volunteers on Saturday, March 2, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at the Madison County Public Library in Richmond. Register today to secure your spot! Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Mariah Smith, volunteer coordinator, says the in-person, group training has a…
This has been a favorite song and I loved hearing my friend and co-worker Lois sing it at her local church in Irvine, Ky. What a treasure to know her as a sister in Christ…I still have this exact cassette tape. This is a beautiful song and I Lois is one talented and Beautiful gift!