To Renew Our Vows

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.

Randy and Sophie Harris have known each other for as long as they can remember.  As children, they were pals; in high school, they were sweethearts; and after graduation, they were married. 

“God made someone for everyone, and Randy was mine,” says Sophie matter-of-factly.  There was never any question that they belonged together. 

When Randy was diagnosed with a serious illness over a year ago, he and Sophie called Hospice Care Plus right away. 

“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend hospice.  All it takes is a phone call, and you may miss important help if you wait,” says Sophie.

Randy and Sophie had already experienced how helpful having hospice support was after Randy’s father was diagnosed with cancer.  The extra layer of services and medical expertise gave them the resources and confidence to care for Randy’s father at home, where he wished to live. 

Families and care teams form close relationships, especially when care begins early. Team members often ask what goals patients and families have.  When they learn of special desires, they set about helping those dreams come to life. 

When Randy’s care team found out that he and Sophie didn’t have pictures from their wedding 40 years ago and were interested in renewing their vows, they got to work planning a modest ceremony with the couple.

Foley’s Florist in Berea provided a beautiful bouquet at a steep discount, only charging enough to cover their cost. A staff member volunteered to take pictures. Another offered to make a cake. Courtney Saylor, his home hospice nurse, worked closely with Randy to ensure his symptoms were controlled and that he was rested, so he would have the strength to stand during the ceremony. 

Randy’s hospice chaplain, Sally Iseral, officiated the ceremony.

“This was my first time writing a vow renewal ceremony, but it wasn’t difficult,” says Sally. She had been with the Harrises long enough to know they understood (and embodied) the meaning of lifelong devotion to each other.

Sophie decorated their back porch with elegant potted flowers.  It was a comfortable gathering with Randy’s sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Vernon Baker, and the care team they now regarded as family: nurse Courtney, chaplain Sally, and Dr. Gosha Sears, associate medical director.

Everyone took their place. Sally passed out selected scriptures and, at the proper moment, nodded to each reader in turn.  

Randy’s brother-in-law began, then Courtney read her scripture. Lastly, Dr. Sears’ daughter, Anya, read the final scripture. 

Then, Randy and Sophie looked into each other’s eyes and spoke words full of reverence and meaning to each other.  Randy, who had been quiet up to this point, as if he didn’t want to miss anything, spoke first, then Sophie softly delivered her message. 

Randy slipped the ring on Sophie’s finger and, without letting go of her hand, kissed the love of his life.

Plenty of pictures were taken: some with family and friends, and some just with Randy and Sophie.  Sophie looked lovely in the dress she bought for this occasion, and the pink and cream bouquet matched perfectly.

Even on their special day, Randy and Sophie showed characteristic hospitality. Randy passed out cards to each team member while Sophie passed out refreshments. Dr. Sears made a beautiful cake, and the hosts cut into it, hand-in-hand, before serving their guests.

It was a great honor to be included in this private moment and witness a family come together, intent on honoring every second of life.

We are deeply grateful to Mr. Harris and his family for allowing us to share their inspiring story of living with purpose and meaning and making every moment count.