Hospice Austin’s Blog
Terry’s Song
Not long ago, Terry Yon was sitting at his kitchen table feeling sick and despondent. He began writing down his thoughts. He had always been interested in songwriting but had never done it – until now. He was writing for himself, but he was also writing for every other person who has spent long hours in chemotherapy infusion rooms and strapped to radiation tables. A song was born: God, Are You Near Me At All?
Loving Kindness
When Hospice Austin Certified Nurse Aide Mudita Tuell cares for a patient, she takes her time. Her touch is gentle, her movements careful and measured, and her voice is soothing. Even if a patient is in a coma, she tells the patient exactly what she is going to do before she does it.
Memorial Service for Emely and Adriana
As many of you know, Jacob Rodriguez Lopez’s wife, Adriana, died on our service in August and his 4-year-old daughter, Emely, was diagnosed with leukemia in December and then contracted the RSV virus and died in early January. Jacob and Emely were both featured in the Austin American-Statesman’s Season for Caring campaign, and many of our Hospice Austin supporters donated money, gifts, cards, and well-wishes. There will be a memorial service this Saturday, Feb. 4th to celebrate the lives of both Emely and Adriana. Jacob would like it to be open to everyone in the community who has been so supportive of him. It will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4th at 2:00 pm at Palm Valley Lutheran Church, 2500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock 78665.
Season for Caring
Jacob knows more about heartache than any 26-year-old should. His wife, Adriana, died of cervical cancer in August, leaving him to raise Emely, their four-year-old daughter who has Down Syndrome. Last week, Emely was diagnosed with leukemia.
Finding a Way Through
How do you get over losing a child? You don’t, according to grief therapist Jan Phillips. “You can get through it, but getting over it is impossible,” she said.
Jan speaks from experience. Her 17-year-old son, Ian, was killed in an accident overseas while on a summer trip with People to People International. At first she was angry with the organization and its chaperones, then with God. “Why him, this child who had so much promise?” she wondered. “And why me?”
Using All the Colors in the Crayon Box
This year will mark our 19th year of Camp Brave Heart, Hospice Austin’s four-day summer camp for children grieving the loss of someone they love. Over the years we have helped more than 2000 children in our community understand that grief and loss are a common human experience; that they have companions who will walk with them through that rugged landscape; and that they can survive such losses and perhaps even grow in unexpected and beautiful ways. A few years ago a boy named Sam came to camp who I will never forget.
Doug and Sue’s Travel Adventures
When Doug was admitted to Hospice Austin a year ago, he was not expected to live long. His condition, while still serious, has improved so much that Hospice Austin happily discharged him recently. A few days ago, Doug embarked on a cross-country road trip with his wife, Sue, and his friend, Jim, in Jim’s RV. Along for the ride is also Jim’s dog, Chester who, by all accounts, is quite a character.
Reel Change for Real Change
Hospice Austin was recently chosen to participate in the Reel Change Film Frenzy, a project sponsored by the nonprofit Lights, Camera, Help whose mission is to help area nonprofits by making mission-driven films that tell their story. Hospice Austin was selected by filmmaker Don Nguyen of ILC Films. Don highlighted the work of nurse practitioner Brian King, who has worked at Hospice Austin for 16 years. To watch the video, please click on the link.
Making life better for us all
Hospice Austin’s Christopher House volunteer Gretchen Baker has turned heartache into a passion for helping others near the end of life. Not only does she volunteer at Christopher House twice a week, she’s provided a Thanksgiving Day meal for patients and staff for the past 10 years, organizes an annual Valentine stuffed animal drive, donates prayer shawls from her friends, and does countless other services that let our patients and families know she understands what they’re going through. Here is her story, in her words.
Finding My Way Back
Today is the day that Keaton died in 2001, just before his 4th birthday. November 23rd: it’s a different experience each year. Sometimes it falls on Thanksgiving, as it was that night. The emotional experience varies each year as well. That it has become easier over...
