Somewhere around the 20th of November, Pam and Jill of St. Anne’s decided it was time to request Hospice care for Phyllis because of her constant pain and unrest. The next day was incredible! First came the nurse who would assess the situation; then came a Deacon of the Catholic Church who prayed with her, blessed her, and gave her and us the Eucharist; then because Phyllis liked music, a lady with a beautiful voice and guitar came and sang to her; then two ladies came with their little dogs—one a poodle (Coco), and the other with a Pappillon (Jac); and then, of course, “continuous care” which means “around the clock”. What a wonderful gift to all of us concerned! The instance with the dogs brought tears to my eyes as the sight of the dogs made Phyllis smile as she pet the poodle which lay beside her and kissed her intensely. She fell asleep with her hand on the poodle’s back; and the next day remembered that the dog was “soft”. Phyllis loved her own Poodles: Bridget and Missy, whose pictures hang in her living room.
As this past week went on, various items used in hospital rooms were brought in: bedside table, commode, etc. and Friday a hospital bed was brought in. She finally also accepted using oxygen after several weeks of refusal.
Seasons Hospice has been such a godsend to us and to Phyllis. Everyone involved has been such a blessing: all are truly gifted and caring individuals. They certainly go above and beyond the call of duty even to the point of ” waiting out in the cold for 45 minutes at midnight until someone would let her in St. Anne’s.” God’s blessings to each and every one of them.
Today brings another day on the journey! God be with you, Phyllis!
