Giving Back I had often thought because I had been blessed with the wonderful support of Wings of Hope Hospice in the past for both my Dad and Mom in […]
Importance of Memorial Gatherings
As a chaplain, I often encounter well-intentioned people who plan no gathering for family and friends after death occurs. A dying person may say, “Don’t go to any trouble or […]
The Final Voice
Introduction As the generation of people who are faced with decisions for our parents, we are so very many times their final voice. We are a society that plans for […]
Hospice Volunteer – Bereavement
I have been a hospice volunteer in bereavement for Wings of Hope Hospice for 16 years. This ‘job’ came about as a way for me to give back after I […]
Being a Healing Listener
Healing Listening ‘Healing listening’, a term used by both James Miller and Paul Feider in their writing and their work with individuals who are grieving, is a priceless gift you […]
When Is It Time For Hospice?
Hospice Benefit in Last Months Hospice care is a benefit for individuals in their last months of life. Hospice regulations say that if a physician’s best estimate is that the […]
Grief & Wounded Warriors
Wounded Warriors I have been especially moved lately by television commercials I have seen about wounded warriors. A poignant story is shared about a soldier who has been severely injured in the line of […]
Life, Death, Hospice & Holidays
The Last Christmas I am reflecting this Christmas Eve on the people my hospice serves. Most of our patients are celebrating the last Christmas they will ever have. Families are […]
What is Palliative Care?
In presentations, I always describe ‘palliative care’ as a ‘fifty-dollar word for comfort care’’. In truth, it means so much more, and I’m not sure I can do it justice. […]
Futile Care and Advance Directives
Futile Health Care The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘futile’ as ‘having no result or effect; pointless or useless’. On a rainy day in November, after a week of early winter snow […]