"Hospice matters. The end-of-life deserves as much beauty, care, and respect as the beginning." - Unknown

When faced with the reality of losing someone we care about, it can be a deeply painful experience. It's a topic many of us hesitate to share openly, yet voicing those feelings is a vital step to healing. The quote above so beautifully expresses how approaching the end of life can be a deeply honoring process. If you are someone who is walking down this road with a friend, spouse, or family member, I hope this newsletter provides encouragement to you as you grieve and meaningful ways to bless your loved one while in hospice.

Being present is one of the most meaningful ways to support your loved one in hospice. Make time each week to say hello and sit with them. Hearing your voice may be grounding and comforting. Consider reading their favorite book to them or even singing a song! Singing familiar hymns or songs will not only comfort your loved one, but also everyone present in the room. You can even reach out to the hospice service to see if they have a certified music therapist they might be able to recommend to you. Music therapists often specialize in providing music to the dying, and if deemed medically necessary, could be covered under some insurance plans.

I came across a thread in a group I'm a part of on Facebook that suggested the book, The Aesthetics of Joy. In this book, Ingrid Fetell Lee shares how some of the mundane spaces and objects we encounter daily can have powerful and meaningful effects on our mood! An example of something you could bring to your loved one's room to brighten their spirits would be a table full of heartfelt cards, written by family and friends. Photos displayed for them to see is another idea. A large bundle of colorful and vibrant balloons tied to the end of their bed or weighted down on the floor would be another way to brighten their room and bring cheer to their heart! So many ways to spread joy can be done with things the family already has or for very little cost.

Some simple care package ideas are:

For the family members:

Witnessing a loved one at the end of their life brings immense agony and pain. However, I hope this post encourages you to acknowledge the grief you feel while also feeling better equipped to support your loved one during this transition. Whether you can sit with them to provide comfort, offer musical therapy, or simply share joyful moments by looking through family photos, I hope to inspire you in this challenging season. For more ideas on how to bless a loved one in Hospice, or anyone experiencing a hard time, visit our board on Pinterest, (Taking) Extras For Hard Days.