My Heart To Hospice

What is something others do that sparks your admiration?

Jet Pack Entry 12/10/25

“Do not count the days; Make the days count.”
(Muhammad Ali)

I never really understood what Hospice meant until one of my elderly family members I will just call Julie received a terminal diagnosis and thus qualified to enter the program. At the time, I thought of her just lying idly in a crowded institution waiting to die. But I then took some time visiting her at her senior facility living space and observed how an extraordinarily successful team of dedicated professionals served Julie’s comfort care needs for free on a daily basis. Thus I express high admiration to those four individuals described below who’ve for over two years now worked efficiently together to extend the life of that much loved individual of my family for over two years now.

So first I must thank those assigned registered nurses who’ve so wisely handled the medical needs of Julie in her relaxed home setting. In particular, they’ve taken readings of her vital signs upon request, made sure that medications and equipment are supplied in a timely fashion, and taken emergency action when needed.

Next, I give my highest regard to the team social worker who functions best as a problem solving communicator. In doing so, she’s been well prepared serve both Julie and her family by answering questions about scheduling in-house doctor visit scheduling, providing family grief counseling and expediting required paperwork completing.

Moreover,I give kudos to the the team chaplain who’s most sensitively confided in Julie to honor her own spiritual beliefs without showing any bias of Christian, Jewish, or any other organized religious dogma. Complementing her “low key” communicative approach, those sustained periods of silence she allots to Julie seem well received as as a time of self induced, meditative reflection.

Finally, I am honored to recognize her Hospice student volunteer who vigorously attempts to keep Julie interested in pursuing hobbies and playing games that both of them share. Thus her quality of life seems improved in the present as they join together to compete in scrabble, watch an animal video, or discuss a favorite book or news item together.