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Hospice Austin’s Blog
Repairing the World
If last week had been a fish, I would have thrown it back. It seemed that we couldn’t turn around without encountering another heartbreaking story or situation. The Boston Marathon bombing; the devastating explosion in West, Texas; a destructive earthquake in China;...
Woven Together
“Excuse me,” the nurse said politely. I looked up from my paperwork.
“The patient in room five is actively dying, and the family is requesting the chaplain.”
I put down my pen, pushed my chair away from the desk in the cozy office I shared with the Social Worker at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House, and made my way to room five. Pausing at the door to quiet myself, I knocked softly, then entered.
Our Greatest Power
We have no power! my son, Patrick, yelled to me from the back door. It was a little after seven and my two teenage boys and I had just arrived at our home tucked back into the woods of our small farm in Bastrop County. The wind was whipping wildly and the moon was impossibly full, casting a silvery light as we unloaded backpacks and groceries from the car. Always looking for an excuse to light matches, my older son, Cassady, had two candles glowing by the time I got into the house.
Hearts and Ashes
It’s six o’clock on Monday morning Feb. 11th and I’m just shuffling off to the shower when I hear my phone receive a text message. It is from a teacher at my son’s former elementary school. Apparently, one of her fourth graders hadn’t come to school on Friday so she...
Valentine Bear Hugs
Every February when people all over the country are preparing to celebrate Valentine’s Day by buying candy or flowers, giving gifts or taking a loved one to dinner - all in the name of St. Valentine - my thoughts turn to leading an outreach drive to collect teddy...
Transformations
There is a beautiful milkweed bush in the garden outside of room 4 at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House. It’s in full bloom right now, full of red and yellow flowers. Recently, Joyce,* the loved one of Hospice Austin patient Bob* in Room 4, was sitting on the patio...
Finding Steve
Just so you won’t worry, this story has a happy ending. It starts off sad, because Curtis, a 50-year-old Hospice Austin patient, had lost his cat, Steve, and normally lost cat stories don’t end well. You may remember Curtis from a previous Season of Caring Campaign...
Quincy
Hospice Austin has lost a very good friend. Quincy, the beloved therapy dog who visited Hospice Austin's Christopher House every Friday, passed away after an illness. A memorial service to celebrate his life and his service to our patients, family and staff, was held...
Hospitality Austin
The living journey with Hospice Austin…I visited my mom Debbie today, who is in her fourth month of hospice care; she is 77 years old. I picked up lunch for both of us to have a mini picnic outside her nursing facility before it gets too hot. I arrived a bit early and...
Brave Kids, Brave Hearts
I would love to tell you about how Camp Brave Heart has helped me. My dad passed away in a car accident that I was in when I was 6. I did no counseling, therapy, etc. until I was 11 and it started to show. I went to Camp Brave Heart honestly thinking it wouldn't help....
