Does anyone know SWC personally?

[rrlbees]

Report on Steve:

When I got to Francis House there were 3 other people in the room. I was happy to see them. Two were his first cousin and her husband from perhaps Pennsylvania? The other was a woman who checks in on him 3 times a day - a neighbor? She calls herself his friend - and she told him she was going to his house today to pick up some tax things, which made him groan. The three of them gave me privacy so I could read to Steve.

Steve was weak. I only stayed with him about 15 minutes. I was told that he was very agitated when he arrived so they were giving him anti-anxiety drugs and it made him sleepy. He apparently sleeps, then wakes up, then sleeps. I am hoping that he can adjust to the meds so he can have more alert time. With his tiredness, it is hard to say how much time he may have left. And of course, no one really knows that.

I probably was able to read him about 25 messages. He listened but he had his back to me. A couple of them made him chuckle. Can’t remember which ones, sorry. After about 15 minutes he said he had to sleep. I asked if I could come back tomorrow and read to him some more and he said yes. Francis House is only 1 1/2 miles from my place. I touched his arm and told him it was an honor to meet him.

He said two things to me while I was reading. One was he made a suggestion that maybe we could have a health thread so people could post there if they were struggling with an illness. I think this must have come from his place of loneliness that he was going through this but didn’t feel he could tell the board. I think that is not a bad idea. I do know many people want to keep their health issues private but probably some would like to share, like Ithaca Matt. I am wondering if our Covid thread could be turned into a Covid/health thread? I don’t know who makes these decisions. The admins?

He also told me there would be no ceremony. I said, “Well, ceremonies are usually for the living but I am sure your wishes will be respected.”

When I first entered the room and we were introducing ourselves, Steve’s friend said, “And guess who called him yesterday? JIM BOEHEIM! We were all so excited because we were in the room. The receptionist was so excited she could barely get the words out. JIM BOEHEIM!” I was very pleased.

I am going to copy this to the basketball board because I am sure some of them don’t come to the OT board. I will go back tomorrow to read to him some more.

Thank you for doing that.

 

[Dcuse]

Report on Steve:

When I got to Francis House there were 3 other people in the room. I was happy to see them. Two were his first cousin and her husband from perhaps Pennsylvania? The other was a woman who checks in on him 3 times a day - a neighbor? She calls herself his friend - and she told him she was going to his house today to pick up some tax things, which made him groan. The three of them gave me privacy so I could read to Steve.

Steve was weak. I only stayed with him about 15 minutes. I was told that he was very agitated when he arrived so they were giving him anti-anxiety drugs and it made him sleepy. He apparently sleeps, then wakes up, then sleeps. I am hoping that he can adjust to the meds so he can have more alert time. With his tiredness, it is hard to say how much time he may have left. And of course, no one really knows that.

I probably was able to read him about 25 messages. He listened but he had his back to me. A couple of them made him chuckle. Can’t remember which ones, sorry. After about 15 minutes he said he had to sleep. I asked if I could come back tomorrow and read to him some more and he said yes. Francis House is only 1 1/2 miles from my place. I touched his arm and told him it was an honor to meet him.

He said two things to me while I was reading. One was he made a suggestion that maybe we could have a health thread so people could post there if they were struggling with an illness. I think this must have come from his place of loneliness that he was going through this but didn’t feel he could tell the board. I think that is not a bad idea. I do know many people want to keep their health issues private but probably some would like to share, like Ithaca Matt. I am wondering if our Covid thread could be turned into a Covid/health thread? I don’t know who makes these decisions. The admins?

He also told me there would be no ceremony. I said, “Well, ceremonies are usually for the living but I am sure your wishes will be respected.”

When I first entered the room and we were introducing ourselves, Steve’s friend said, “And guess who called him yesterday? JIM BOEHEIM! We were all so excited because we were in the room. The receptionist was so excited she could barely get the words out. JIM BOEHEIM!” I was very pleased.

I am going to copy this to the basketball board because I am sure some of them don’t come to the OT board. I will go back tomorrow to read to him some more.

What a tremendous report! Thank you for doing this. It honestly saddened me in regards to the loneliness. But rest assured, this fella forever has an extended family here that cares for him despite never meeting him face to face. Orange forever and Godspeed Steve.

 

[Toga]

My wife, her dad and mom, my mother all benefited from the angels that work at Hospice. My sister-in-law is a hospice social worker. I'm extremely grateful for everything that they do and so glad that Steve is in their care. God Bless Steve and all of the people that care for him and are caring for him.

My wife is a hospice social worker.

 

[Roger N]

My wife is a hospice social worker.

God Bless your wife.

 

[Cheriehoop]

In his radio pre show posts, he would make me laugh. Inevitably some people would tell him to ask about this or that, when he called the show or tell him to restate his own question into what they wanted him to emphasize. His answer always made me smile - He always included the call in number and would reply in such a classy, civil manner that they were free to call and ask their own questions. It was almost every week - SWC was a very patient man on these boards. A lesson for all of us.

 

[OburgOrange]

This thread is,literally bringing tears to my eyes. We’re all a bunch of knuckleheads for the most part, but knuckleheads with the biggest hearts and compassion for our Syracusefan family. For all those fighting things that none of us know about, I wish you the best.

 

[MSOrange]

In his radio pre show posts, he would make me laugh. Inevitably some people would tell him to ask about this or that when he called the show or tell him to restate his own question into what they wanted to emphasize. His answer always made me smile - He always included the call in number and would reply in such a classy, civil manner that they were free to call and ask their own questions. It was almost every week - SWC was a very patient man on these boards. A lesson for all of us.

People chiming in with questions when SWC clearly gave ways for people to ask themselves always cracked me up. He was very patient. I will also miss that.

 

[Cusefan0307]

His coaches show recaps were a must read for me every week. I’ve missed them already. A true encylopedia of SU sports and the Chief gentleman of the board.

 

[SUOrange44]

Steve is a tremendous liaison between this Board and the conventional SU media coverage. I always enjoy hearing his perspective and equally appreciated the way he communicated it whether it be on the radio shows, coaches shows or this Board.

If you love SU/Orange history he is an invaluable asset and will be missed. Wishing him the best.

SUOrange44

 

[baggerbob]

Steve is a tremendous liaison between this Board and the conventional SU media coverage. I always enjoy hearing his perspective and equally appreciated the way he communicated it whether it be on the radio shows, coaches shows or this Board.

If you love SU/Orange history he is an invaluable asset and will be missed. Wishing him the best.

SUOrange44

For me personally Steve with his recaps of the Old Scout recapping a Penn St game brought me back to my youth.
It was a wonderful time to root for football in the 50' s and 60's.
Being a fan then was fun.

 

[ar inj]

Report on Steve:

When I got to Francis House there were 3 other people in the room. I was happy to see them. Two were his first cousin and her husband from perhaps Pennsylvania? The other was a woman who checks in on him 3 times a day - a neighbor? She calls herself his friend - and she told him she was going to his house today to pick up some tax things, which made him groan. The three of them gave me privacy so I could read to Steve.

Steve was weak. I only stayed with him about 15 minutes. I was told that he was very agitated when he arrived so they were giving him anti-anxiety drugs and it made him sleepy. He apparently sleeps, then wakes up, then sleeps. I am hoping that he can adjust to the meds so he can have more alert time. With his tiredness, it is hard to say how much time he may have left. And of course, no one really knows that.

I probably was able to read him about 25 messages. He listened but he had his back to me. A couple of them made him chuckle. Can’t remember which ones, sorry. After about 15 minutes he said he had to sleep. I asked if I could come back tomorrow and read to him some more and he said yes. Francis House is only 1 1/2 miles from my place. I touched his arm and told him it was an honor to meet him.

He said two things to me while I was reading. One was he made a suggestion that maybe we could have a health thread so people could post there if they were struggling with an illness. I think this must have come from his place of loneliness that he was going through this but didn’t feel he could tell the board. I think that is not a bad idea. I do know many people want to keep their health issues private but probably some would like to share, like Ithaca Matt. I am wondering if our Covid thread could be turned into a Covid/health thread? I don’t know who makes these decisions. The admins?

He also told me there would be no ceremony. I said, “Well, ceremonies are usually for the living but I am sure your wishes will be respected.”

When I first entered the room and we were introducing ourselves, Steve’s friend said, “And guess who called him yesterday? JIM BOEHEIM! We were all so excited because we were in the room. The receptionist was so excited she could barely get the words out. JIM BOEHEIM!” I was very pleased.

I am going to copy this to the basketball board because I am sure some of them don’t come to the OT board. I will go back tomorrow to read to him some more.

You are indeed an angel!

 

[Roger N]

For me personally Steve with his recaps of the Old Scout recapping a Penn St game brought me back to my youth.
It was a wonderful time to root for football in the 50' s and 60's.
Being a fan then was fun.

Arnie Burdick is smiling in heaven

 

[Forza Azzurri]

Report on Steve:

When I got to Francis House there were 3 other people in the room. I was happy to see them. Two were his first cousin and her husband from perhaps Pennsylvania? The other was a woman who checks in on him 3 times a day - a neighbor? She calls herself his friend - and she told him she was going to his house today to pick up some tax things, which made him groan. The three of them gave me privacy so I could read to Steve.

Steve was weak. I only stayed with him about 15 minutes. I was told that he was very agitated when he arrived so they were giving him anti-anxiety drugs and it made him sleepy. He apparently sleeps, then wakes up, then sleeps. I am hoping that he can adjust to the meds so he can have more alert time. With his tiredness, it is hard to say how much time he may have left. And of course, no one really knows that.

I probably was able to read him about 25 messages. He listened but he had his back to me. A couple of them made him chuckle. Can’t remember which ones, sorry. After about 15 minutes he said he had to sleep. I asked if I could come back tomorrow and read to him some more and he said yes. Francis House is only 1 1/2 miles from my place. I touched his arm and told him it was an honor to meet him.

He said two things to me while I was reading. One was he made a suggestion that maybe we could have a health thread so people could post there if they were struggling with an illness. I think this must have come from his place of loneliness that he was going through this but didn’t feel he could tell the board. I think that is not a bad idea. I do know many people want to keep their health issues private but probably some would like to share, like Ithaca Matt. I am wondering if our Covid thread could be turned into a Covid/health thread? I don’t know who makes these decisions. The admins?

He also told me there would be no ceremony. I said, “Well, ceremonies are usually for the living but I am sure your wishes will be respected.”

When I first entered the room and we were introducing ourselves, Steve’s friend said, “And guess who called him yesterday? JIM BOEHEIM! We were all so excited because we were in the room. The receptionist was so excited she could barely get the words out. JIM BOEHEIM!” I was very pleased.

I am going to copy this to the basketball board because I am sure some of them don’t come to the OT board. I will go back tomorrow to read to him some more.

So nice of you to do this. THANK YOU!

Whoever got JB to call him. THANK YOU! No doubt in my mind it is someone from this board.

 

[Forza Azzurri]

So, many of us are in a certain age group that these things are happening now with greater frequency. I, too, have been fighting cancer for close to 3 years now. Mine started out as something seemingly insignificant, had surgery, they thought they got it all, but (of course) they didn't. And it spread, and it took about 9 months to get rid of the original set of tumors, three or four in all, in close proximity.

I was clear for about a year, and then they started coming back in September around Labor Day. My original cancer metastasized, and I've had a dozen more malignant tumors since then. Ten have been removed, two to go. I've had doctors visits pretty much once or twice a week for the last 6 months. Pretty much a new tumor every couple weeks, for half a year. I've had chemo, but so far I still have my hair! LOL

So, I reached out to Steve privately, to say, "hey, I'm going through something right now, too" and tried to offer some encouragement and hope.

The way I phrased it, though, went over like a lead balloon. My message missed the mark (as you often see on this forum!).

I said to him, "I've decided to make cancer my friend." What I meant by this was this: I know it's going to be with me for a while. I'm going to need to pay attention to this, and try to live with it. I have to embrace it, rather than be angry, because we know that when our body is in a positive place, we heal more effectively. Stress and anger and bullshit hurt the healing process. It's kind of a Buddhist outlook.

But he was not in a place of acceptance at that time (you know, on the "Stages of Grief" scale), he was angry about his tumor, and that's part of the process. It's totally understandable.

He wrote me back, though, and while he wasn't willing to accept his tumor as his "friend" (so understandably!), he told me that his brother is also going through something similar to me. And he said he would pass along my perspective, in hopes it could be helpful.

So, I wish Steve all the best. We're not really personal friends, but we have been "intimate strangers" on this board for the last 30 years. Many of us are like that. CTO and the Fine Mess gang have grown this community so much in person over all these years. I am grateful to you all for your friendship and community over the years.

I'm doing fine, knock on wood. Hope to continue to do so for many years to come. If you sense I'm irrationally angry sometimes in my posts, I hope you give me some grace and forgiveness, and keep this is mind. Namaste!

Hang in there, Matty. Beat this thing.

 

[SUFaninNJ]

So nice of you to do this. THANK YOU!

Whoever got JB to call him. THANK YOU! No doubt in my mind it is someone from this board.

I believe it was said that Mike Waters set it up.

 

[stuckinbig11]

Report on Steve:

When I got to Francis House there were 3 other people in the room. I was happy to see them. Two were his first cousin and her husband from perhaps Pennsylvania? The other was a woman who checks in on him 3 times a day - a neighbor? She calls herself his friend - and she told him she was going to his house today to pick up some tax things, which made him groan. The three of them gave me privacy so I could read to Steve.

Steve was weak. I only stayed with him about 15 minutes. I was told that he was very agitated when he arrived so they were giving him anti-anxiety drugs and it made him sleepy. He apparently sleeps, then wakes up, then sleeps. I am hoping that he can adjust to the meds so he can have more alert time. With his tiredness, it is hard to say how much time he may have left. And of course, no one really knows that.

I probably was able to read him about 25 messages. He listened but he had his back to me. A couple of them made him chuckle. Can’t remember which ones, sorry. After about 15 minutes he said he had to sleep. I asked if I could come back tomorrow and read to him some more and he said yes. Francis House is only 1 1/2 miles from my place. I touched his arm and told him it was an honor to meet him.

He said two things to me while I was reading. One was he made a suggestion that maybe we could have a health thread so people could post there if they were struggling with an illness. I think this must have come from his place of loneliness that he was going through this but didn’t feel he could tell the board. I think that is not a bad idea. I do know many people want to keep their health issues private but probably some would like to share, like Ithaca Matt. I am wondering if our Covid thread could be turned into a Covid/health thread? I don’t know who makes these decisions. The admins?

He also told me there would be no ceremony. I said, “Well, ceremonies are usually for the living but I am sure your wishes will be respected.”

When I first entered the room and we were introducing ourselves, Steve’s friend said, “And guess who called him yesterday? JIM BOEHEIM! We were all so excited because we were in the room. The receptionist was so excited she could barely get the words out. JIM BOEHEIM!” I was very pleased.

I am going to copy this to the basketball board because I am sure some of them don’t come to the OT board. I will go back tomorrow to read to him some more.

I was hoping that JB could contact him. Thanks for letting us know and thanks for the report.

 

[DoctorBombay]

My wife, her dad and mom, my mother all benefited from the angels that work at Hospice. My sister-in-law is a hospice social worker. I'm extremely grateful for everything that they do and so glad that Steve is in their care. God Bless Steve and all of the people that care for him and are caring for him.

I must've been 11 years old when I heard the word "hospice" for the first time. My parents had come back from visiting gramma in the hospital, and when they walked in the house, my Dad made a beeline for their bedroom & I could hear him sobbing. I asked my Mom what was the matter w/ Dad and she explained that he was sad cause his mother, my Gramma, had been put in hospice and we would only see her again in heaven.
In the last 10 years, I've had 2 brothers-in-law, my wife's brother and her sister's husband, in hospice for varying lengths of time. The folks who took care of them are indeed the personification of the word "angels". They comforted us whenever we'd visit and their sole purpose is to selflessly offer their service to folks who are going through an extremely tough time, whether its a prayer, a hug, or a good cry.
Call me a big softie but I could not do what they do on a daily basis. God bless them.

 

[Dick_in_MI]

I must've been 11 years old when I heard the word "hospice" for the first time. My parents had come back from visiting gramma in the hospital, and when they walked in the house, my Dad made a beeline for their bedroom & I could hear him sobbing. I asked my Mom what was the matter w/ Dad and she explained that he was sad cause his mother, my Gramma, had been put in hospice and we would only see her again in heaven.
In the last 10 years, I've had 2 brothers-in-law, my wife's brother and her sister's husband, in hospice for varying lengths of time. The folks who took care of them are indeed the personification of the word "angels". They comforted us whenever we'd visit and their sole purpose is to selflessly offer their service to folks who are going through an extremely tough time, whether its a prayer, a hug, or a good cry.
Call me a big softie but I could not do what they do on a daily basis. God bless them.

I have played guitar since I was 13. I retired 13 years ago, and for the first 4 years of retirement I volunteered through a hospice agency playing guitar for hospice patients in small, assisted living facilities. I would play once a week and had regular facilities that I would visit. I would go to each place every other week. Often, they all knew I was coming...some even had me in their calendars...and they would gather in the main living area. I'd play solo acoustic stuff for about 40 minutes, and ended up arranging and playing the songs from the 1940's that the patients loved. After that, I'd pass out lyric sheets and we would have a sing along for 20 minutes.

I used to tell them "you can feel lousy before I come and you can feel lousy after I leave. While I'm here, however, we are going to have fun." And have fun we did.

One of my favorite memories was of a woman who had only been in hospice a short time. I noticed she wasn't out with the rest of the folks so afterwards I went to her room. She said she had been too tired to come out so I stayed, chatted, and played for her for a while. This was in October and I told her "In two months, I'll be playing Christmas music for you." she replied "Oh, I love Christmas music."

I told her that there was no law that said I couldn't play Christmas music in October and asked what her favorites were. I played them for her and then left her to get her nap. She passed two days later and her daughter called the hospice agency to say how happy she was that her Mom had gotten to hear Christmas songs one more time.

Doing the volunteer work at hospice was one of the most rewarding things I have ever had the privilege of doing.

 

[Toga]

I have played guitar since I was 13. I retired 13 years ago, and for the first 4 years of retirement I volunteered through a hospice agency playing guitar for hospice patients in small, assisted living facilities. I would play once a week and had regular facilities that I would visit. I would go to each place every other week. Often, they all knew I was coming...some even had me in their calendars...and they would gather in the main living area. I'd play solo acoustic stuff for about 40 minutes, and ended up arranging and playing the songs for the 40's that the patients loved. After that, I'd pass out lyric sheets and we would have a sing along for 20 minutes.

I used to tell them "you can feel lousy before I come and you can feel lousy after I leave. While I'm here, however, we are going to have fun." And have fun we did.

One of my favorite memories was of a woman who had only been in hospice a short time. I noticed she wasn't out with the rest of the folks so afterwards I went to her room. She said she had been too tired to come out so I stayed, chatted, and played for her for a while. This was in October and I told her "In two months, I'll be playing Christmas music for you." she replied "Oh, I love Christmas music."

I told her that there was no law that said I couldn't play Christmas music in October and asked what her favorites were. I played them for her and then left her to get her nap. She passed two days later and her daughter called the hospice agency to say how happy she was that her Mom had gotten to hear Christmas songs one more time.

Doing the volunteer work at hospice was one of the most rewarding things I have ever had the privilege of doing.

Dude

 

[cliftonparksufan]

I have played guitar since I was 13. I retired 13 years ago, and for the first 4 years of retirement I volunteered through a hospice agency playing guitar for hospice patients in small, assisted living facilities. I would play once a week and had regular facilities that I would visit. I would go to each place every other week. Often, they all knew I was coming...some even had me in their calendars...and they would gather in the main living area. I'd play solo acoustic stuff for about 40 minutes, and ended up arranging and playing the songs from the 1940's that the patients loved. After that, I'd pass out lyric sheets and we would have a sing along for 20 minutes.

I used to tell them "you can feel lousy before I come and you can feel lousy after I leave. While I'm here, however, we are going to have fun." And have fun we did.

One of my favorite memories was of a woman who had only been in hospice a short time. I noticed she wasn't out with the rest of the folks so afterwards I went to her room. She said she had been too tired to come out so I stayed, chatted, and played for her for a while. This was in October and I told her "In two months, I'll be playing Christmas music for you." she replied "Oh, I love Christmas music."

I told her that there was no law that said I couldn't play Christmas music in October and asked what her favorites were. I played them for her and then left her to get her nap. She passed two days later and her daughter called the hospice agency to say how happy she was that her Mom had gotten to hear Christmas songs one more time.

Doing the volunteer work at hospice was one of the most rewarding things I have ever had the privilege of doing.

Wow. I need to get off the couch.

 

[Archimedes]

I have played guitar since I was 13. I retired 13 years ago, and for the first 4 years of retirement I volunteered through a hospice agency playing guitar for hospice patients in small, assisted living facilities. I would play once a week and had regular facilities that I would visit. I would go to each place every other week. Often, they all knew I was coming...some even had me in their calendars...and they would gather in the main living area. I'd play solo acoustic stuff for about 40 minutes, and ended up arranging and playing the songs from the 1940's that the patients loved. After that, I'd pass out lyric sheets and we would have a sing along for 20 minutes.

I used to tell them "you can feel lousy before I come and you can feel lousy after I leave. While I'm here, however, we are going to have fun." And have fun we did.

One of my favorite memories was of a woman who had only been in hospice a short time. I noticed she wasn't out with the rest of the folks so afterwards I went to her room. She said she had been too tired to come out so I stayed, chatted, and played for her for a while. This was in October and I told her "In two months, I'll be playing Christmas music for you." she replied "Oh, I love Christmas music."

I told her that there was no law that said I couldn't play Christmas music in October and asked what her favorites were. I played them for her and then left her to get her nap. She passed two days later and her daughter called the hospice agency to say how happy she was that her Mom had gotten to hear Christmas songs one more time.

Doing the volunteer work at hospice was one of the most rewarding things I have ever had the privilege of doing.

I read this and got a little teary. There's a lot of good in this world. Thank you.

 

[Irishsecra1]

So nice of you to do this. THANK YOU!

Whoever got JB to call him. THANK YOU! No doubt in my mind it is someone from this board.

How nice of Jim Boeheim to call.
He may be eccentric but I never doubted his kind heart.

 

[bballbeadle]

I have played guitar since I was 13. I retired 13 years ago, and for the first 4 years of retirement I volunteered through a hospice agency playing guitar for hospice patients in small, assisted living facilities. I would play once a week and had regular facilities that I would visit. I would go to each place every other week. Often, they all knew I was coming...some even had me in their calendars...and they would gather in the main living area. I'd play solo acoustic stuff for about 40 minutes, and ended up arranging and playing the songs from the 1940's that the patients loved. After that, I'd pass out lyric sheets and we would have a sing along for 20 minutes.

I used to tell them "you can feel lousy before I come and you can feel lousy after I leave. While I'm here, however, we are going to have fun." And have fun we did.

One of my favorite memories was of a woman who had only been in hospice a short time. I noticed she wasn't out with the rest of the folks so afterwards I went to her room. She said she had been too tired to come out so I stayed, chatted, and played for her for a while. This was in October and I told her "In two months, I'll be playing Christmas music for you." she replied "Oh, I love Christmas music."

I told her that there was no law that said I couldn't play Christmas music in October and asked what her favorites were. I played them for her and then left her to get her nap. She passed two days later and her daughter called the hospice agency to say how happy she was that her Mom had gotten to hear Christmas songs one more time.

Doing the volunteer work at hospice was one of the most rewarding things I have ever had the privilege of doing.

Oh how much I loved reading this! What a great thing you did! When I was there this morning someone was playing the piano and someone else was playing the saxophone. They were good, too.

 

[Irishsecra1]

I have played guitar since I was 13. I retired 13 years ago, and for the first 4 years of retirement I volunteered through a hospice agency playing guitar for hospice patients in small, assisted living facilities. I would play once a week and had regular facilities that I would visit. I would go to each place every other week. Often, they all knew I was coming...some even had me in their calendars...and they would gather in the main living area. I'd play solo acoustic stuff for about 40 minutes, and ended up arranging and playing the songs from the 1940's that the patients loved. After that, I'd pass out lyric sheets and we would have a sing along for 20 minutes.

I used to tell them "you can feel lousy before I come and you can feel lousy after I leave. While I'm here, however, we are going to have fun." And have fun we did.

One of my favorite memories was of a woman who had only been in hospice a short time. I noticed she wasn't out with the rest of the folks so afterwards I went to her room. She said she had been too tired to come out so I stayed, chatted, and played for her for a while. This was in October and I told her "In two months, I'll be playing Christmas music for you." she replied "Oh, I love Christmas music."

I told her that there was no law that said I couldn't play Christmas music in October and asked what her favorites were. I played them for her and then left her to get her nap. She passed two days later and her daughter called the hospice agency to say how happy she was that her Mom had gotten to hear Christmas songs one more time.

Doing the volunteer work at hospice was one of the most rewarding things I have ever had the privilege of doing.

To have such an affect on someone in their last days is so powerful.

I remember about 15 years ago when I was visiting my mom at a combination nursing home/rehab center.
I had brought my maltese dog Gizmo with me who literally spread sunshine and joy to anyone he met.

Well, I was in the hall leaving and ran into a resident who asked to pet Gizmo. As I was out there, a lady came running down the hall and asked me if Gizmo could come down to her grandmother's room. She told me that she had been pretty much staring into space and not interacting with anyone for days, Incredibly depressed and withdrawn.

Well, I put Gizmo on the bed and he laid next to her licking her hand. The lady literally for about 15 minutes became the grandma they all remembered. She petted Gizmo, talked to him and laughed. Gizmo even kissed her over and over again. She was so happy and there was not a dry eye in the room.

I found out 5 days later that she had died. I like to think that Gizmo brought her a little joy.

Gizmo was just an incredibly friendly dog but there are people out there who bring therapy dogs to various facilities. They can connect with people in ways another human just cant.

 

[baggerbob]

To have such an affect on someone in their last days is so powerful.

I remember about 15 years ago when I was visiting my mom at a combination nursing home/rehab center.
I had brought my maltese dog Gizmo with me who literally spread sunshine and joy to anyone he met.

Well, I was in the hall leaving and ran into a resident who asked to pet Gizmo. As I was out there, a lady came running down the hall and asked me if Gizmo could come down to her grandmother's room. She told me that she had been pretty much staring into space and not interacting with anyone for days, Incredibly depressed and withdrawn.

Well, I put Gizmo on the bed and he laid next to her licking her hand. The lady literally for about 15 minutes became the grandma they all remembered. She petted Gizmo, talked to him and laughed. Gizmo even kissed her over and over again. She was so happy and there was not a dry eye in the room.

I found out 5 days later that she had died. I like to think that Gizmo brought her a little joy.

Gizmo was just an incredibly friendly dog but there are people out there who bring therapy dogs to various facilities. They can connect with people in ways another human just cant.

One day Sue's daughters brought our cat Bella to Francis House to see Sue. Bella made the rounds everyone wanted to pet her.
She was a big black and white and loved everyone.