Hospice deserves support... especially at Nov. 3 event

I have always been a supporter of our local Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice, and the unwavering strength of director Joan Sereno and her wonderful group of volunteers.  Until recently, however, I have never really had the opportunity to witness just how wonderful these volunteers are.  

After battling three stage four cancers over the past 6 plus years, my dear friend decided she was no longer fighting, she was done. A person who had always lived life to the fullest, always filled with joy and a great sense of adventure, she mentioned on several occasions she was ready... for the next big adventure.

For personal reasons, she and her family decided to go with the home health care provided by Joliet Hospice, and quickly began a relationship with their nurses, counselors, chaplain, and volunteers.

Unlike the length of her battle, her next adventure came far too quickly, with friends and family visiting more frequently and lingering longer. After work on Wednesday, Aug. 22, I dropped by for a chat and quickly realized that even though she was surrounded by family and dear friends, it was imperative Hospice be called.

Joliet Hospice assured us as soon as a nurse was available, she would be there; at that time she was already out visiting patients in the Joliet area.  However, they did not have a Hospice volunteer able to come to the home.  

While uncertain what we needed to do, her friends and I knew we needed a volunteer trained in hospice care, and called a personal friend and Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice board member for advice.

Board member Janice Hibler, arrived within minutes of the Joliet Hospice nurse, and took charge of what was very rapidly becoming the end of our dear friends fight.

They both worked hand in hand, helping patient and family, and an hour later our friend was gone.  Afterward, they took care of our friend, consoled all who were there, made the necessary phone calls, and were a real Godsend. I was in awe of both of these women, their strength and their compassion. I felt very fortunate to have had the unfortunate need to be in the presence of such angels.