I’m writing from the good ship “Hospice.”
It is a wonderful place to be.
The staff is amazing, the food is great and the smiles never stop coming.
And my visitors never stop coming. It’s been standing room only since I’ve been here – some days, that’s good, some days, not so good.
I’ve been inundated with company and it’s been overwhelming. Some days I want to yell, ‘help!’
Since I don’t have a phone that anyone can use except my cell, I would appreciate a little time to gather my thoughts and find a way to know where I am.
Don’t get me wrong. I love that you love me, but not that much!
I’ve noticed that when people come to visit there is always this uncomfortable pause for some, afraid to ask, “how are you,” knowing that if you are in hospice you’re not doing so hot, and if you are in hospice you should be dying.
Everybody here is dying, and it is the first time for everyone, so get with it.
It’s hard visiting here, I’ll give you that, and it should be easier.
Here are some tips for saying the ‘right’ things:
We’re still people, treat us that way.
We want to talk about how we feel.
We are still alive.
We are still real.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Joke about our situation – if it seems appropriate.
Laugh a lot.
Talk about home.
Talk about friends and family – we want to hear.
Come and visit, but keep it short.
Be happy when you come.
Enjoy your time with us – we don’t have a contagious disease – most of the time.
This is good. I want to make this as real as I can.
Keep this in mind the next time you visit someone in Hospice. Little acts of kindness mean a lot.
