I was afraid.
I was afraid of hospice. Hospice can be a scary word. It brings different thoughts to different people, some positive, some negative. I have sometimes had a mixed-up understanding of hospice. Now my feelings center on gratitude. Knowing that some of you might have mixed feelings about this form of medical treatment, I decided to share my experience with you.
Perhaps hospice not only brings different thoughts to different people. Perhaps agencies vary in purpose and practice. I just know that I feel very good about our experience. Our hospice team is here to help my mother to be comfortable and to receive good care, and to help us not be overwhelmed.
One of the many blessings we are experiencing is that Mother’s own doctor is the doctor who works with this agency. He has been her doctor for six years and our friend for 27 years. Not only that, but I know that he really cares for her and for us as people and as brothers and sisters in Christ. He texted me yesterday to check on her.
Hospice is providing my mother with nurse visits, aide visits, chaplain visits, and other services. Again and again, they say, “Call if you need anything.” A magnet on our refrigerator has a number we can call 24/7. I did that one night last week after 11 p.m. Soon a kind nurse had driven 45 minutes before she knocked at our door. I told her what was going on and how I felt about it. She told me what she would do if it were her mother. That was just what I needed to hear. I followed her advice.
As I write this to you, the hymn “Peace, Perfect Peace” comes to mind.
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.
It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
and Jesus call us to heaven’s perfect peace.
Hospice can’t bring me peace, perfect peace, but they can walk beside me as people who know more than I do about the place where I am right now, and for that I am grateful. Peace, perfect peace comes from one place–from the Lord of peace Himself.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself
continually grant you peace in every circumstance.
The Lord be with you all!
2 Thessalonians 3:16
You are right, it does bring a whirl of different emotions. Yet, I’m so thankful you shared your encouraging experience. May God continue to be our perfect peace, no matter the circumstances! I praise the Lord, for He is so good!
Wise and encouraging words, Hope. Thank you.
Absolutely wonderful compassionate servants! So glad you have such a supportive team. Love and prayers for all of you!!!
Absolutely. And thank you, kind Olive.
Praying for strength for your family and peace for your Mother. So thankful for hospice to be able to help you and your Mom and for it to be able to lighten your load.
Love Wanda
Thank you, precious Wanda. Yes, they are being wonderful support.
I had the opportunity to spend some time with a hospice nurse who was staying with one of my grandmothers. I was amazed at how much more she was than a nurse. She was like a friend. She helped us every step. Told me what to expect. Even after my g’mother could no longer respond the hospice nurse encouraged all of us there to continue having conversation with her. She can still hear you. That bit of advice was good for all of us.
Prayers during this tough time.
Thank you, Johnna. I am so thankful that you had such a sweet experience with your grandmother’s hospice nurse. We have been grateful for each person who has helped us this past week.
We are praying for you all. I told my two oldest children last week when I read your other post, and they are praying too.
Thank you so much, Beth.