FIFTEEN MINUTES

Hospice biggest gift is comfort care.  The focus is on helping the patient stay comfortable in a physical, emotional and physical way.  We have a tremendous hospice team that helps patients and families in whatever way is needed.  After the death, our bereavement department follows up with the families for thirteen months.  

The Social Worker will call the family a day or two after the death to offer condolences and support. Most of the calls range from about five minutes to twenty minutes or so.    In fact, likely fifty percent of the calls, we leave a voice message. It is amazing how families so appreciate that we are checking in with them. 

Hospice is such a spiritual support for me.  This call amazed me, but then I am not surprised at all as I routinely will hear such amazing events.  What is so wonderful about this work is that we are all individuals living our lives the best way we can; our way. 

FIFTEEN MINUTES

 

We call families after a death

to offer condolences and support.

The calls are typically not too long

as this sacred/spiritual call

                    was just fifteen minutes.

 

Mom has been ill for quite a while,

but was on hospice for only a few days.

She has two children; a son who lives locally

and a daughter many, many miles away.

 

Her son stresses easily with episodes of anxiety;

while her daughter naturally stays calm and steady.

She cherishes both of her supportive children,

but knows her daughter will always do the right thing.

 

Two days ago, her daughter was in her yoga class.

She was lying quietly on her mat, when Mom appeared.

She was rising up off of her bed with a huge smile saying,

                    “I am so happy!”

 

A short time later, her brother gave her a call

telling her that Mom had died that morning.

Not surprisingly to her, it was the exact time Mom appeared.

It gives her comfort knowing that Mom is now at peace.

 

She tried twice to book a flight that same day,

but both flights were later cancelled.

“My brother needs a lot of guidance and support,

but then it gave me time to find my peace at home.”

 

“He had to manage and arrange the funeral plans alone,

because I wasn’t there to do all of the paperwork.”

“Your Mom cancelled the flights to help both of you.

She is still around to take care of you

as she always and forever will be;

                    your mom.”