I call our nurse practitioner, Debbie. Hearing her voice is like being a little child lost in the woods and suddenly hearing my mother’s voice. I absorb Debbie’s much needed support. Her calmness radiates into me, through me, and makes it all the way to the patient’s daughter when I get off the phone. I stand beside Jan looking at her father and say calmly, “Okay, he will be comfortable soon; this is the plan.” I follow Debbie’s instructions to give more medications, and wait for an hour; later he will be transferred to our facility. The patient’s wife, Gloria, and Jan are waiting for the medications to work when Allyson arrives. The timing of this hospice social worker is perfect, waiting is hard. Allyson comes into the room with open arms, gives Gloria a hug; one of those long squeezes that shows genuine love. Gloria closes her eyes during the embrace. When she opens them tears line the inside of her eyes; Allyson has reached the sadness, some tension is relieved. Jan’s phone rings. Our hospice Chaplain, Mi Sook, is on the other end offering help. There is a warm feeling inside me, pride in our hospice team, a sharp awareness of compassion that comes from the human heart. We are all working together well, relieving more than the patient’s pain. I really love this job. When the patient is comfortable and Jan understands what to do next, I leave the home. Allyson stays to continue emotional support. I turn up the volume on my car radio and the song “Stand By Me” is playing. I sing the words out loud, “If the mountains should crumble to the sea, I won’t be afraid, as long as you stand by me.” Little goose bumps appear on my arms. It is like some fabulous epiphany has just come to me. Isn’t this what hospice is all about? Debbie stood
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