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Memories of our four grandchildren giggling at Tom’s endless supply of “dad jokes.” Of Tom spending so many Thanksgiving mornings volunteering at a local soup kitchen. And my favorite memory: Tom’s last really great day, which he spent knee deep in the koi pond in our backyard, cleaning out autumn leaves.

There are some difficult memories, too. The day Tom had a stroke, and our lives completely changed. Suddenly he was paralyzed on one side and needed my help with the most basic of tasks. To see a man who had been so hands on, such a perfectionist, it was heartbreaking. He had lost control over his own life.

For three years, I took care of him on my own. I was a nurse for 37 years. But even with all my experience, I began to doubt myself. Was I really doing the best for Tom? He was declining and the reality that he was not going to get better made him so depressed. I knew I needed to ask for help.

At first, I thought hospice meant that this was the end for Tom. But our HopeHealth case manager, JoAnn, explained that our hospice team would support Tom to live his best days— for as long as possible. There were so many things our HopeHealth team did for us, things that seemed small but made such a big difference.

Like adjusting Tom’s pain medication so that he would be comfortable, but still alert. Or calling his primary care physician with questions so we didn’t have to struggle to get him to the office. Or helping Tom move from the bed to his recliner, so that he could look outside.

Everything our HopeHealth team did for us was filled with compassion for Tom – and for me. Our hospice team became our second family for almost two years.

Chaplain Mary Ellen and Tom formed an incredible bond. She helped him come to terms with what was happening and even to talk about his funeral – a conversation that was too painful for me. And JoAnn, and aide Darlene, always made time to have a cup of coffee with me to share stories about our lives and families. We all knew it was a good day when Tom would crack one of his dad jokes.

On Tom’s final day, HopeHealth’s team was with us. As JoAnn and Darlene gently bathed Tom, preparing him to leave our home for the last time, I knew they were leaving me with one final beautiful memory – of Tom as the dignified, peaceful man he was.

Salutation, what an incredible gift HopeHealth’s nurses, aides, doctors, social workers, chaplains, and grief counselors were to me and my family. In conversations with other families who have turned to HopeHealth, I’ve come to realize that our experience was not unique.

HopeHealth offers this compassionate care to everyone who needs it, making every family feel like caring for your loved one isn’t just a job; it’s a special honor.

With my best wishes – and gratitude,
Diane Bradley
Grateful Spouse