People tend to define blessings as luck, good health, love, fame, financial success, and the talents they’ve been given. Do you recognize blessings when they come your way? Our Lady of Peace staffers often say they feel blessed, and we asked a few of them to recall them here.
Jessi Ruegemer, RN – Admissions/Hospice Residence
I had a patient who was actively dying when she was admitted to our residential hospice. Her room was filled with her children and other family. She was very involved in music and choir throughout her career. Her children gathered around her bedside and pulled out sheet music, and her father told me I would not want to miss what was to come. Her five children began singing her hymns in harmony. Their voices were heavenly and pure perfection. I was so moved that I started crying and could barely contain myself. In their time of grieving, they gave their mom and me a beautiful gift — a glimpse at heaven. It was so special and moving that it was truly impactful for me.
Courtney Baires Escobar, RN/Home Health Care Nurse
I’m blessed to work with people committed to getting to know their patients, where they’ve been, where they are now, and where they want to be when they no longer need our care. This commitment crosses our entire home health care team. We don’t generalize everyone. We provide very personalized care.
Denise Borglund, RN – Director of Nursing/Hospice Residence
I believe every patient we see in the residence is a blessing. I feel honored that families trust in us and blessed that they share their loved ones with us.
Lindsey Pelletier, RN, CHPN – Community Hospice Nursing Supervisor
One of the blessings of this work is to understand the deep truth within what we can often write off as idealistic tropes. “Today is a gift,” “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” “Kindness matters,” “Live for today because tomorrow isn’t promised,” “The best things in life are free.” I have heard these sayings all my life, but it is working in end-of-life care that has helped sink into my bones that these simple truths are really the key to living, and ending, well. I am so grateful for the perspective this work brings me and for the many people I have been blessed to know over the years who point me back to what matters.
Patrice Engelmann, Admissions Coordinator
I feel extremely blessed to work with some of the best nurses, social workers, and case managers at Our Lady of Peace, both in the residence and community hospice. I always feel confident admitting patients, knowing they will get the best care possible. I often get feedback from families that their loved ones were so well taken care of and at peace here. I am also very proud of the cleanliness of our facility and know that we have hard-working employees who take great pride in keeping the Our Lady of Peace Home clean, so our residents and families are comfortable during their stay here.
Our Lady of Peace wishes you the large and small blessings of the holiday season.