Issue 30.09
Often people hesitate to be on Hospice because they think it means “the end” – either for themselves or a loved one. Nothing could be further from the truth. The purpose of Hospice is to help people to live life “full-out” until the so called “end” comes!
I was reminded of this last month during a couple of visits to my patients. One patient had the opportunity to experience the Grand Canyon “up close and personal.” Thanks to a donation by the Garth Last Foundation, he was able to fulfill a final wish to fly over the Grand Canyon. When the pilot suggested they fly at a higher altitude so the ride would not be so bumpy, the patient said “No way – this is awesome.” Even though the ride was difficult for him, he wanted to experience the spectacular beauty of the canyon for himself. A month later he passed away, “a happy camper.”
Another patient defied the odds by fulfilling his dream of attending his 30th Marine Reunion in Branson, Missouri. This was the #1 item on his “Bucket List.” The doctors had not held out much hope that this would be possible. On a recent visit with him, we joked about starting a new “Bucket List” which he happily did. The first item was to celebrate his 84th birthday with friends and family, which he accomplished last week!
Another item on his new list was a real surprise to me, when he showed up at Unity Church. I was deeply moved and honored that attending our Sunday service was an important enough item to put on his “List.” After hearing his beautiful voice during the service, my wife invited him to sing with our Ensemble group. He enthusiastically added that item to his new “Bucket List.”
The two examples above are some of the possibilities for hospice patients when they approach being on Hospice with a positive attitude of making the best of what life has to offer to them. May we also discover our own joy in living life “full-out.”
To obtain more information on the Garth Last Foundation and its service of fulfilling needs and wishes to hospice patients, please contact Jim McDonald at 634-9300.
Luigi Persichetti is the chaplain for Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice and the minister of the Unity Church of Positive Living in St. George.