Helen's care for people exceeded all expectations.

We worked together during the night shift at our hospice. For some reason, from 1-3 am seemed to be prime time for people to pass from this life into the next. Our roles were different but we often worked together during those difficult hours.

Our hospice set the bar on providing dignity to those at the end of life and following their passing.  We did not use body bags or toe tags. Their ride to the mortuary was an honored escort in the transport vehicle--they were the only patient. The face of the deceased was not covered until they were ready to enter the transport vehicle. It was my job to oversee this process.

The CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) would prepare the body to be transported. After the passing, usually the family would step out of the room to give the CNA room to work. Fresh bedding would often be put on the bed. The body would be bathed and then dressed in fresh bed clothes (occasionally street clothes) and tucked into a clean and orderly bed. With the head resting on a pillow and the hands folded over the patient, a small bouquet of flowers would be placed in their hands.

All of our CNAs showed compassion to our patients and treated them with dignity, but Helen excelled above all. 

The family of the deceased said their farewell and committed this patient to our care. With the outside world asleep and no one watching, Helen worked in the early morning hours with the difficult and dramatic task of tending to a dead body. She did not know I saw her.

I watched as Helen applied skin cream, gently and thoroughly, as we might to our own bodies after we take a hot bath or shower. 

Her work was angelic. Often I called her an angel as I raved about her work and the love that flowed from her hands as she cared for patients.

Helen is a black woman. I don't know how that affects the way she works but I do know that no one else could do her job any better than she did. Her motive was to treat each patient with dignity but her actions were a tribute to hospice care, CNAs and her race.

I've worked with many Black medical professionals including doctors, nurses, therapists, in home caregivers and CNAs, who deserve recognition for their work, especially during Black History Month

Last week, at the end of February, I was going to use this story in the weekly Care Ministry Idea email. But, writing about prayer for Ukraine was an urgent need.

So, five days late, this story still needs to be told to honor Helen and other black medical professionals who serve with skill and compassion.   

Take a moment to appreciate CNAs and black medical professionals that serve those in your care.

When you care for people who care for people, your care matters.

Your life matters,
Chaplain Dan
Rev. Daniel R. Hettinger
303.905.0478