He came home from the hospital to his favorite setting.

Unless there is a miracle he is not going to get better.

Hospice came in and set up the bed in the family room. It faces the television and is surrounded by pictures of his fishing expeditions along with a few very large trout, mounted to show off his trophy catches. Now they serve as reminders of happy days on the river with family and friends. I got a guided tour, via pictures, of a life time of Colorado blue ribbon fishing outings.

The agent-orange cancer had not diminished his love for his family. They surrounded his bed. The sons, each with his wife were on both sides of his bed. His beloved wife stood near his head and I was at the foot of the bed. Two young grandchildren sat on their parents laps.

We received Holy Communion together, celebrating Christ's work on the cross making the hope of everlasting life possible. I was honored to serve it.

I asked, "Does anyone have something to say?" 

"I do," said the Dad. His voice was weak but his intentions were clear. "I love you all." Then he addressed each one individually, the sons and the daughters in law and his wife. He said how each one made him proud and how he cared for each in a special way.

One daughter-in-law he singled out. "You are my daughter." She didn't have a dad to walk her down the isle. There were family issues for her so the young couple almost eloped. But the father of the groom also became the father of the bride. I have the feeling he paid for the wedding too, but I'm not sure, but the tears in the room revealed love that was established by this life changing action. This scene articulated love so clearly that all questions were removed and his legacy was firmly established.

"Who is coming from hospice tomorrow," he asked. 

"Nobody comes tomorrow," his wife answered. "The nurse comes on Tuesday and the CNA on Wednesday."

"You two will be together tomorrow. You get to love on your wife," I said, trying to be funny.

"I love on her every day." His reply was so quick and natural I knew it was true.

Savoring memories, blessing the family with words of love and affirmation and completing spiritual work and/or celebrating faith are possible in the setting set by hospice.

A noble legacy was sealed around that hospice bed. Everyone will grieve healthier and remember with greater fondness.

On my way out we had the opportunity to discuss the service and keep everyone's mind at ease.

When hospice is present the family can focus on each other. In his favorite setting I got to make my favorite type of visit. More was accomplished than could be measured.

I hope you get to make this type of visit and I hope this story and others shared on this website help you care better than ever.