Our Stories - Life is Precious

A Beautiful Send Off

Jan, 2016

At Hospice at Home, we feel truly honored to often be in the presence of sacred moments with those we care for and their families. A sacred moment can be different for every person and family – all that matters is what is most meaningful for them.

Mary, one of our Buchanan nurses, was recently able to share a moment with a family that touched her heart when she was called to a home to care for a man who was very near death.

By his side, there was a large gathering of family. They shared with Mary that, when they were children, he taught them how to sing hymns in four-part harmony. They then invited Mary to join them at the foot of the bed, and began signing a song chosen by the family.

With his wife holding his hand at the bedside, the man's children stood with Mary, arm in arm, singing:

When peace like a river attendeth my way

when sorrows like sea billows roll–

whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

it is well, it is well with my soul

It is well, with my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin–O, the joy of this glorious thought–

my sin, not in part, but in whole,

is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul

As they sang, it became clear that the man had passed away. Through the tears, a family member rallied for them to continue–

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

the clouds be rolled back as a scroll:

the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,

even so, it is well with my soul

It is well, with my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul

Mary was touched to be a part of this beautiful send-off that reflected meaning in his life with his family.

It is because of your support that moments like these are possible. We wish you many sacred moments in your lifetime – the kind that make you realize how beautiful life is and what's most important to you. Thank you for being a part of our mission.