Hospice Heroes

“There are no heroes in the hospice,” I overheard someone say, “and no good days in the hospice.”

I begged to differ, not knowing exactly why.

And knowing that our hospice patients don’t survive more than a few days, or weeks, or months, I could see some logic in my friend’s observation.

There are those few who go home, to return again, but they are here for the reason that their time has been cut short…and we are here to help them live it out in all the fullness of time that a good hospice can offer.

Is this not an heroic deed?  Giving time, and counsel, and medical care far beyond the ordinary?

No heroes in the hospice? Maybe not.  “No good days in the hospice?  

I beg to differ.   I differ because there are those who were hurting, but who now find relief.

I differ because there were those who were struggling to let go, and a nurse, or doctor, or social worker or chaplain gave them permission to do so.

I beg to differ with those who say there are no good days in hospice. There is the reward of seeing a last good day for someone who would have otherwise known only pain and misery.

There are days that are sorrowfully good, a gracious relief for loved ones who have been tired and exhausted, waiting for days, weeks, or months.

Those who work in hospice do not aspire to be heroes; they are merely there to give comfort, resolution, and support in life’s last great hurdle; to do no less for others, than they would want done for themselves.   Perhaps that should be the new definition of  “hero.”