The following success story was submitted by MaineGeneral Hospice. Dollars given to United Way of Kennebec Valley support this program as well as many others across Kennebec Valley.
A MaineGeneral Hospice Volunteer Supervisor shared this deeply moving story from Anna (a pseudonym), a woman they supported during the most challenging year of her life.
In November 2023, Anna’s father contracted COVID and was hospitalized. She stayed by his side constantly, but after two weeks, she received devastating news: her father’s vital organs were failing, and he wouldn’t recover. “This news shattered my heart,” Anna shared.
Anna was able to have a crucial conversation with him about his last wishes: he wanted to return home for his final days. At the hospital, she met with the hospice care coordinator, who swiftly arranged transportation to his apartment, along with comfort medications, a hospital bed, other necessary items, and hospice nurses. Forty-six hours after returning home, her father passed away. Though she fulfilled his final wish, his passing was devastating.
He was her only living family member and her best friend. Anna writes, “It is a daily struggle. Hospice has been a priceless support system for me.”
Through hospice, she has received counseling from a grief counselor and continues to attend the “invaluable” weekly support groups a year after his death, as well as the holiday grief workshops. She has also honored her father’s memory through the Celebrations of Lights event at Gardiner Commons and the spring memorial event at the Emmanuel Episcopal Lutheran Church.
Anna reflects: “It is because of Hospice that I am learning to process and heal my broken heart. Hospice gave my father the death with dignity he deserved. Every day I am grateful for the nurses, counselor, group facilitators, volunteers, program director, and the valuable friendships that I have made. As I continue my grief process, I am comforted that Hospice will be there for me every step of the way. My hope for all of you is that you never have to experience a loss like this, but that if you do, know that you will have Hospice in your life to support you.”
