By: Carissa Lovvorn
When a sea of RVs, camping chairs, and tents begin flooding the Athens State University’s campus, there can only be one explanation: It’s time for the Tennessee Valley Fiddlers Convention!
I’m excited to have a booth again this year where I’ll not only sell my books and other merchandise but also give kids an opportunity to serve others through a “Tutus on a Mission” service project. Last year, my little visitors made more than eighty “Thinking of You” cards for our local food pantry, The Community Table. This time, they’ll create paper flowers that will be gathered into cheerful little bouquets and delivered to patients under the care of Hospice of Limestone County.
This nonprofit organization is near and dear to my heart. Not only do I have several friends who work and volunteer for Hospice, but they’ve also been there for my family through the care of my grandmother.
Hospice provides comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses when curative treatment is no longer the focus. Their goal is to help patients remain as comfortable as possible while spending their remaining time surrounded by the people they love.
Once a patient is placed under hospice care, the organization arranges everything from home medical equipment and supplies to medication management through their licensed physicians. A social worker meets with the family to ensure that necessary legal paperwork is in order and provides resources to help prepare them for the end-of-life transition. Registered nurses conduct checkups throughout the week and provide 24/7 on-call support.
Hospice not only serves the patient, but also supports the entire family through respite care, counseling, social services, and grief and spiritual support. These are much-needed services for families walking through the difficult journey of caring for a loved one.
I love this quote from their website: “Hospice is not a place, but a concept of care based on the promise that when medical science can no longer add days to life, more life can be added to each day.”
More life added to each day. Isn’t that something we all aspire to have?
So, how can we help others experience this during their last days on this side of Heaven? There are several ways. Donations are always appreciated, whether monetary or through equipment or property. You can serve by sharing your personal Hospice experiences with churches, clubs, or other organizations. Hospice also needs volunteers to help with special events, such as the Hospice Chili Challenge or Camp Hope, their annual bereavement day camp for children.
On a more day-to-day basis, Hospice needs volunteers with a variety of skills and interests, from singing and videography to providing companionship, helping with administrative tasks, and assisting with bathing services.
Or, of course, you could make a few paper flowers, like the ones being lovingly created by the hands of little children in our community. Each flower carries a simple message of encouragement: “You Matter.” “Sending Hugs.” “God Loves You.”
A little kindness goes a long way.
Many blessings,
Carissa Lovvorn
To learn more, please visit. https://hospiceolc.org/ or call 256-232-5017.
