Relda’s Legacy The Northland Hospice & Palliative Care team first met Relda Bast on August 4, 2006 when she came to the Olivia White Hospice Home. Relda would frequently been seen holding the hand of another resident to give them support and chatting with the caregivers. One of her favorite pastimes was playing cards and one would often find her at the dining table playing cards with her daughter or a caregiver. Northland Hospice encourages all residents and their family members at the home to individualize and decorate their room. Relda’s room became a cozy comfortable haven filled with craft materials and her prized collection of dolls. A bulletin board held pictures and notes from family members. Over the course of the next seven months, Relda would diligently work on her crafts. One of her favorite pastimes was making beaded ornaments. It was always such fun to visit with her and have her explain how each ornament was created. She took such pride and delight in sharing her talent with others. Her talent extended to each of the hospice staff and the hospice volunteers as she made and presented each one in attendance at the April 2007 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon with a red and white beaded heart ornament. Seven months after Relda came to OWHH, she graduated from hospice services. Relda was proof that being referred to hospice does not mean giving up hope or that one’s life is going to end soon. As her health improved, she moved to The Peaks in their Assisted Living facility. I would frequently see her in the library chatting with her new friends. Relda died on September 5, 2007 after retuning to the OWHH for just 24 hours. During her last hours, I was blessed to be able to spend a short time at her bedside. I held her hand and thanked her for making the ornaments and for allowing Northland Hospice the honor of caring for her. Even in her weakened state, she softly said, “You’re welcome.” Then she said, “I will be watching over you.” Each member of our hospice family that possesses an ornament from Relda will always think of her when they hang their ornament on their wall or on their holiday tree. Thanks Relda for sharing your heart with all of us. - Charlene Taylor, CEO
November December 2007 January 2008 November is National Hospice Month in this issue A Message from our CEO: Do You Know....
A Time for Remembering Lights Up the Holidays. Light- A- Life Time
What to Expect When Grieving
Little America Gingerbread Carousel Raffle