A few readers have inquired if my column was done or if it was ever coming back.
As many of you read recently, my wife Linda Barber left this life for the next one.
For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, you know the many issues. And, one thing I learned quickly, you just cannot do everything yourself. It doesn’t matter how capable you are, or think you are, the demands are challenging.
I was fortunate that my daughter, Shelley, flew down from Portland to help me. It was a great experience as she went to work handling details and issues I never considered.
Linda had been at home and was checked on weekly by El Camino Hospice. While their regular visits were of great help, I had no idea.
These folks from El Camino Hospice are a gift from God. Their weekly visits during the last few months were understanding, supportive, caring, upbeat, genuine and appreciated. How they were throughout the last week was truly a beautiful gift of support.
As we approached the last week of Linda’s life, the Hospice team was here every day. They cared for her as they would their own mother. These folks do this every day. They are genuine, understanding, caring, effective and efficient.
In the final week, their team arrived with a bed for Linda. They placed it in the living room where she could hear our conversations and know that we were present with her.
This was an amazing experience, right here, in our home where we have lived for the last 25 years.
The presence of Linda being at home with me, and a professional team of talented and caring hospice helpers who visited daily, was simply an experience to touch the heart.
Yes, we all have, will, or are going to go through the loss of a loved one. Sometimes we have time to prepare. Other times are sudden, unexpected and a shock.
When the time comes, or if it is a sudden, unexpected event, call the Hospice team and ask for assistance. They do big and little things you forget or may not even be aware exist.
My thanks to El Camino Hospice. You are a gift.
Great appreciation to my daughter, Shelley, who did so much to take the load of issues off my plate.
And to all my friends who called, visited, or sent cards and flowers. These tributes to Linda made the experience easier. Thank you to all of you for your good thoughts.
And, a big thank you to El Camino Hospice, who understood early on that I could not have done this alone.
