Gratitude
November 15, 2024
As we give, so we receive.
As we think, so we become.
Today, with gratitude, I dipped caramels made yesterday by Peter (expert caramel maker and my hubby). Tree of Life Spice and Classic Salted all came out perfectly. Joyful to make, beautiful to look at and sumptuous to eat. They are headed to the staff at Gilchrist Hospice, where my Dad was cared for during the last week of his life.
During one of my routine visits Dad went from a sharp mind to delirium in a matter of days. A recent fall had left him with worsening back pain and a suspected head injury that had now reached a crisis point. I was trying to keep the faith but felt it slipping away. I saw no path forward and prayed for one. The emergency room was out of the question. This is not how either of us envisioned things. My 98 year old bridge-playing Dad was living in his own home still loving life.
I called Gilchrist Home Hospice to request a medical bed and some drugs to bring peace and pain relief for Dad. The next day when the nurse arrived to evaluate our situation she suggested he go on the waiting list for in-patient hospice since there were no beds available. Until suddenly a “ding” appeared on her computer screen and there was! “Would you like your Dad to go there?” she asked.
After two days of wondering if our last days together would be spent as patient and exhausted caregiver, the decision was an easy one. From the moment he arrived at Gilchrist Hospice, the angels descended on us.
His private room opened to a grassy common bordered by stone walkways and mature trees. A babbling fountain was adorned with hand-painted rocks left for loved ones. Deer would occasionally meander through and birds sang. What a peaceful respite this sanctuary was! Although Dad was sedated, I know he felt – and heard – the peace of nature around him
Words cannot express my gratitude for the loving care and comfort Dad received while at Gilchrist Hospice. The nursing staff, doctors, music therapist, social worker and receptionists, all gracefully and collectively cared for him. And they supported me in helping him to make a peaceful journey to the great beyond. The Universe had given me the gift of being there and for both of us the path forward.
The Dali Lama speaks of being “wisely selfish” by working for the welfare of others. That in doing so you will be happier and more peaceful. This is why Gilchrist is a magical place. This is why I make chocolate and give it away. It is a joyful yet selfish act, this small token of appreciation
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