Moments of Life

As I reflect on the amazing care my mom and dad received from Hospice and Hospice Haven, I am reminded of an Alabama song, “Angels Among Us.” “Oh, I believe there are Angels Among Us, sent down to us from somewhere up above.”

As times increasingly became challenging during my parents' disease process, the Hospice and Hospice Haven team guided us with a light of love. The Hospice team was always there to come alongside me and my family, to comfort us, to have a kind word, and to offer a hug or a helping hand. This team was, and is, truly “Angels among us.” Losing our parents four months apart was difficult, but somehow, by the grace of God, Hospice assisted in making it more bearable. The Hospice service not only provides care for the patient but also offers warm, person-to-person compassionate emotional and moral support to families as well.

Staff members were able to guide us through their disease process, answering questions regarding what to expect during this difficult journey, and lend a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. They became more than just caregivers — they became part of our family. I thank God that He allowed our paths to cross with Richmond County Hospice.

If you are facing an illness of a loved one, feeling lost, not sure what direction to take, please contact Richmond County Hospice. They are an amazing group of individuals offering incredible services. Angels Among Us!

My relationship with Richmond County Hospice began in the late 1990s. I realized that I needed to share my time with others and felt drawn to Richmond County Hospice, so I became a bereavement volunteer. In August 2012, my mother transitioned into her heavenly home, leaving my dad, at 85 years old, to live alone.

After many visits to stay with my husband and me, dad moved to the Sandhills from the foothills. Having been a pastor in that area for 44+ years, dad moved to Richmond County in December 2013. In the summer of 2016, dad's health began to decline, and in early 2017 he became a Richmond County Hospice patient. For me, it was much-needed assistance. We felt supported in medical care, daily living and respite care, 24-hour nursing staff, and chaplain services.

Because of respite care, my husband and I were able to take my dad back home for his burial in May, with less physical and mental fatigue. We had the opportunity to make important decisions without feeling rushed and conflicted. We have “peace of mind,” knowing that we did everything we possibly could to care for dad, and I believe that peaceful feeling is a direct result of the services provided by Richmond County Hospice.