News/Events

Last Wishes

When curative treatments no longer enhance life, Hospice of Wichita Falls focuses on quality of life by easing pain and providing comfort.  Comfort comes in a variety of forms; the easing of physical pain, a warm smile and gentle touch, a listening ear, or even in helping the patient find some sense of closure.  Our team of experts and volunteers are committed to making sure our patients and families are as comfortable as possible and that all identified needs are being met.  One of our goals is to insure that our patients do not end their journey of life alone, afraid, or in pain.  Sometimes we have the extraordinary opportunity to help our patients with their last wishes.  This week I am taking the opportunity to share two stories with you.  Both are about two of our social workers and the incredible journeys they took with their patients.  

Nina is a Licensed Social Worker and has been employed with Hospice of Wichita Falls for a little over a year.  She is assigned to our home care division and shared the following story regarding one of her most memorable times as a hospice Social Worker.  Nina’s patient expressed to her that he wanted to leave his family a legacy of words to remember him by. Although this gentleman was weak and often kept his eyes closed, he would mention this to Nina and would talk to her about this being his final wish. When Nina visited, she would gently talk with him and encourage him to begin putting these letters together and working toward completing his final wish. The patient had expressed his desire to Nina several times but seemed to have difficulty getting motivated and continued to put the task off. After many weeks of visits and building trust, Nina’s patient agreed to let her assist him.  With Nina taking dictation, this gentleman would share precious memories with her from the deepest places of his heart.  He would have her read the words back to him and would edit as appropriate and have Nina make changes as he thought necessary.  The patient’s words and Nina’s hands accomplished his final wish and together they were able to complete his legacy of words. The final product truly was his legacy and became his wife’s most treasured possession and memory of her husband. Our amazing social worker saw a need.  She feels blessed that she was the one who went on this journey with this gentleman and in the process, helped him accomplish his wish.  He died a few months later but his words will live on forever.

Courtney is a Licensed Social Worker and has been employed with Hospice of Wichita Falls for six years and is currently assigned to our In-patient Center.  Courtney developed an exceptionally sweet relationship with one of our patients and asked her if there was any unfinished business or final wish she had.  At first her wish seemed simple and easy to achieve, but it was not.  This lovely lady’s favorite movie was “Driving Miss Daisy” and she had expressed her desire to see the movie one last time.  Courtney planned on purchasing the movie but soon discovered that it was not available locally.  Time was of the essence and Courtney did not feel she could wait to order it on-line and have it shipped.  After exhausting those avenues, she contacted our local library and found a copy.  Courtney immediately went to the library, checked out the movie and delivered it to our patient.  She was thrilled to be able to watch her favorite movie several times before passing, but she was equally touched that this special social worker would make such an effort to find it for her. 

These are just two of the many examples of how those who work for Hospice of Wichita Falls are often able to find true blessings in the work that they do every day.   These may seem like small efforts but the patients and their generosity in sharing their stories and wishes, will be forever ingrained in the hearts of these two social workers. Sometimes small really is BIG!

We are often asked “How can we work in this kind of environment day in and day out?”  I think the two stories I shared will help you understand the “hospice heart” that our staff and volunteers possess.  In between the pain and suffering we often get to see joy and peace.  When we are allowed to be a part of the lives of the patients and their families on such an intimate level, the blessing and the gift is truly ours.  Being a part of fulfilling those last wishes is part of an amazing journey on which we have been invited.  I look forward to sharing other “last wishes” stories with you in the future. 

For more information about Hospice of Wichita Falls, please call (940) 691-0982 or visit our website at www.hospiceofwf.org.