Editor’s Note: This story appeared on the Hospice Spotlight page recently in North Country This Week

BY REV. MICHAEL CATANZARO

First Presbyterian Church on the Park

In 23 years of ministry here in the North Country, I’ve officiated at hundreds of funerals.

More meaningfully though, is the time I’ve spent with those individuals and families as they or their loved ones journey through the last chapters of life.

From these experiences, two things have become absolutely clear. First, there are incredible gifts to be both given and received at the end of life.

Certainly, there is tremendous sadness and a great many tears, but also profound joys and laughter.

Words are said, hugs and comfort given, old wounds healed, new hopes expressed, and families experience a unique bond which carries them not just through their current grief, but into the rest of their lives together.  It’s a profoundly humbling thing to witness.

Second, is the very best and easiest way to allow such gifts to be given and received is to have the support of Hospice, and the sooner, the better. Every single experience I have ever had with Hospice has not just been good, it has been outstanding.

From the physical and emotional support, to the relationships that are formed with nurses and volunteers, to opportunities that Hospice provides for families to care for and express their love for each other.

Often, there are very few choices that get made at the end of life, but choosing to have Hospice support you and your family is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and the ones you love.

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