Some of you may recall that we lost my Mother-in-law Fran last year.  Before that, in 2004, I lost my Dad and then in 2005 Andrea lost her Dad.  The one thread that ran through each of these losses was the loving help and support of Hospice to get us through.  

Hospice provided us with the medications, experienced guidance and reassurance we needed to care for these three loved ones.  Each of them passed at home, surrounded by loved ones in a peaceful and dignified way.

In gratitude for this service we pooled a lot of what my wife’s parents left behind and made a gift in their name to a new Hospice House being built here in Haverhill.  Yesterday we attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.  

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The facility is beautiful.  Floor to ceiling windows let in a lot of natural light and give the place an open feeling.  Little touches from art on the walls, to rain chains hanging outside each suite from gutters to hidden medical equipment to homey furniture make this place very warm and welcoming.  There is a spa complete with a whirlpool tub, heated towel racks and a hair styling station which will be manned by volunteers from a local salon.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the pedi suite we were shown during the tour.  There was a small bed, an even smaller crib and a rocking chair for parents to cradle their little ones while they travel that last mile.  It quite simply took my breath away.

We met and hugged and talked with nurses we’d met on our own journey.  It was good to see them again.  There was wine (not for me!) and food and lots of smiles.  We saw old friends and folks we hadn’t seen for some time.  600 people in all took time out of their day to attend.  600 people all connected by our separate travels down that last mile.  All committed to building a place of peace and love and goodbyes.  

It was a good day.  Just thought I’d share…

-Dennis-

Thanks for sharing what had to be a bittersweet experience.  Those who work in Hospice have my utmost respect.  

Jerry

It sounds like a wonderful place!  My mom would have probably loved it had we had something like that around here.  

So nice to hear of your good day Dennis. :)

Beautifully written Dennis...thank you for sharing.

I only had the vaguest notion of what Hospice was until experiencing it first hand with Pop and Mom. How those people do what they do.... with the compassion, respect, thorough professionalism, yet joy of life.... time after time after time is beyond my comprehension. That the family is just as important to them as the patient is incredibly enlightened. I've forgotten Doctors, hospital staff, most in home care providers...but not these people, not ever.

Best,

Jon

That's a special kind of person that helps people complete a journey like that with dignity and love. Just awesome, awesome people.

Joe

Thanks for sharing Dennis.

They truly are wonderful places that allow people to take their final journey with respect ,dignity and a lot of love.


Lefty..!

Having gone thru this with a dear dear friend and his family, I can appreciate the Hospice House and what it means - it did mean a lot in those last days to those who loved Russ (my friend) and the care he received (as well as the family) cannot be expressed in words.

Nuff said...

Hugs BD :-*

That truly touched my heart Dennis.  Thank you for sharing that.

Good day for a very good cause.  Thanks for sharing that Dennis.

Beth

Hospice workers were fabulous when caring for both my Grandmother and Aunt last year. In the case of my aunt, they knew so much more how to keep her comfortable than the doctors and nurses at St. Marys hospital.

Hospice has a special dedication and guidance for coping with terms.  Very, very nice, Dennis.      

I've heard countless wonderful stories about Hospice and the great work they do.  You all did good, Dennis.

Love to you both....

Jackie

Dennis.

Man......!

Steve G

After I read this post I took a break to read the local newspaper.  There was a letter to the editor published thanking hospice for all the good work they do helping familes during the most difficult of times.  Hospice workers are truly angels on earth.

Beth

Terrific, Dennis.

Very nicely done....Thanks for the post.

Charlie

I can never say enough good things about the folks at hospice.  

All the best,

George

That is so wonderful that you could help contribute to Hospice. My Mom died 3 years ago and we didn't have anything like that. It was a very cold hospital situation that lasted 4 weeks. The nurses were great but something was missing.  A year later my Dad's sister (my aunt) died. She lived away from us in NJ and was cared for in a Hospice program. We were so fortunate that this time we had Hospice to help everyone. Wouldn't it be great if every community had these awesome people???

Charlotte

Quote:

In gratitude for this service we pooled a lot of what my wife’s parents left behind and made a gift in their name to a new Hospice House being built here in Haverhill.

You could have done so many other things with this money, and yet you decided to do this.

Bless both your hearts.