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Autumn...leaves falling from the trees, colors fading, and the air is becoming crisp. As there is change in the weather, there is change in our lives. Change is the one thing that we can be certain will happen to us all.
Each end-of-life journey is different for each individual, as are the needs of the friends and family supporting them. At House of John, we feel blessed to share the journey, and we feel privileged to be present with family and loved ones during bereavement.
As change happens, there are still things and times to be enjoyed. I had the opportunity to sit with a resident during the solar eclipse and hold her hand when she became scared from the darkness, as well as when we were appreciating the lightness of the sky when it came back. We had a resident become giddy over a practical joke he was playing on his hospice nurse - the laughter was contagious. Another resident’s dying wish was to see her daughter get married. That took place with the small cake and ice cream reception held at House of John. And there are movie nights and watching “The Voice” with volunteers to also be grateful for.
A recent family wrote: “Thank you doesn’t seem adequate for the quality of life you have given to our aunt. You have given her much joy in her last days here and for that we are truly grateful. I hope you will be here when I need you.”
For the last 31 years, over 800 residents have been able to call House of John their home. We are here because of how you support us each year in your own generous way. We ask you to consider a donation to our Annual Appeal to support this very important mission because everyone deserves to be surrounded by kindness and love at the end of their life.
With Gratitude,
Kathy Barrick, BSN RN
Executive Director
Each end-of-life journey is different for each individual, as are the needs of the friends and family supporting them. At House of John, we feel blessed to share the journey, and we feel privileged to be present with family and loved ones during bereavement.
As change happens, there are still things and times to be enjoyed. I had the opportunity to sit with a resident during the solar eclipse and hold her hand when she became scared from the darkness, as well as when we were appreciating the lightness of the sky when it came back. We had a resident become giddy over a practical joke he was playing on his hospice nurse - the laughter was contagious. Another resident’s dying wish was to see her daughter get married. That took place with the small cake and ice cream reception held at House of John. And there are movie nights and watching “The Voice” with volunteers to also be grateful for.
A recent family wrote: “Thank you doesn’t seem adequate for the quality of life you have given to our aunt. You have given her much joy in her last days here and for that we are truly grateful. I hope you will be here when I need you.”
For the last 31 years, over 800 residents have been able to call House of John their home. We are here because of how you support us each year in your own generous way. We ask you to consider a donation to our Annual Appeal to support this very important mission because everyone deserves to be surrounded by kindness and love at the end of their life.
With Gratitude,
Kathy Barrick, BSN RN
Executive Director
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