August 16: Comfort at Life’s End

Hospice workers respect life while also providing comfort care at its end.

Pam Greene, a hospice nurse in Nebraska, told a reporter that she is now passionate about helping people through the process with dignity. Years ago she “hated death and dying. I didn’t like going to funerals.  I didn’t like any of that kind of stuff.”

But she followed the advice of one hospice director, who noted that those who work in this field need a good understanding of what their own values are in relation to death and dying.

“If they’re struggling with some unresolved issues,” the director said, “it’s going to really be difficult for them to deal with patients of all ages who die.”

Over time, Greene’s life experiences and her work as a home-health-care nurse changed her views about dealing with death.  Now families tell her she is “a calming, peaceful presence at the end, and sometimes that’s what you need.”

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for You are with me.  (Psalm 23:4)

Divine Comforter, help us ease loved ones on their final journey.