I accepted the role of caregiver as my
responsibility to him and it was my privilege to
assist the caregivers at Francis House and the
hospice team. It wasn't pretty, or easy. Vacations
were cancelled, activities suspended. It was hard
and tiring with moments of weepiness and indignity.
Warren never said good-bye, but finally the
miracle I awaited was there. What I found was
simple. It wasn't about me. It was about Warren. He
was living his life as he defined it. I was simply,
yet profoundly, a part of his journey. My job was to
be me, to be me with him, and I am more alive
because of it. He had made his own decisions,
graciously connected with the people providing his
care, and died in a way consistent with his living.
To the end, he was a part of our community, and the
community was always there and ready for him.
Sue Stewart is Vice President
for Operations. hospice and Palliative Care
Associates in Leverpool, New York. As a social
worker and hospice administrator, Sue Stewart has
worked to forge new links in the support system
available to people in failing health in this
community. Recently, in caring for her own
father-in-law, she witnessed the workings of that
system first-hand.
Printable Version
