HOSPICE CARE STAMP
"The art symbolizes life's journey to its final stage, the part where
hospice lends its vision for end-of-life care. The use of color gradations
is an attempt to convey transition through the stages of life until we
come home to death. The butterfly is a symbol of spiritual release - a
positive metaphor for the last transition of life."
December 3, 1998
The evening of Thursday, November 12, provided the perfect setting for "A Night of Remembrance" which was held on the grounds of St. Joseph Hospital. To those driving along Wrightsboro Road that night, the significance of over 1000 luminaries winding their way across the landscape may have been lost; it could have appeared that these were an early decoration for the Christmas Season. However each candle in that precession had been lit to honor the memory of a loved one who had died. Our community was encouraged to remember all of those who had died at any time, whether or not they were served by St. Joseph Hospice. For families who had experienced the love and care of Hospice during that difficult time in their lives, this was also a time to meet and share memories with Hospice friends - Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Chaplains, Social Workers and Volunteers. As the sounds of "Amazing Grace" came from the bagpipes, we were reminded of the amazing service provided by St. Joseph Hospice.
Since its inception in 1979, this remarkable organization has cared for more than 5000 patients facing a terminal illness. But even beyond that, it has been a support for thousands more who are left to grieve the loss of their loved ones. Many St. Joseph Hospice programs are available in the community aimed at easing the Bereavement process which we all encounter when death touches our lives. It would seem strange that there is anyone in the CSRA who is still unaware of this wonderful group. And yet this is where we found ourselves nearly eight years ago.
In early 1991, neither of us had heard of Hospice except as a strange, far-away concept. But this all changed when each of our spouses became terminally ill with the same sickness - a malignant brain tumor - and we were advised to obtain Hospice services for them. Still unaware of what to expect, we were awe-struck by the St. Joseph Hospice personnel who entered our homes and our lives that spring. There appeared to be a conspiracy between the Chaplains, Nurses, Social Workers and Volunteers to ease the pain of our journeys during those weeks leading toward that inevitable event. Even after the deaths of our spouses, Hospice was never far from our sides. No one who has not personally experienced the love and care which St. Joseph Hospice provides can fully appreciate what it can mean to the dying and to the bereaved. We have been so blessed to have been the recipients of all that they could give. And that is why we are beginning our eighth year as St. Joseph Hospice Volunteers - to give back to the community part of what we have received so fully.
John & Emily Hyatt
3201 Leeds Court
Augusta, GA 30906
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