This afternoon I had the privilege of accompanying our Director of Volunteer to deliver gifts to our hospice family in need.
I wanted to share with you just a small glimpse of the impact you made on a grieving family this Christmas Eve.
The young mother (21) passed away in our service last week. She left behind a 2 year old son, Nathan and a 4 year old daughter, Delilah to be cared for by her mother, Irma.
Lisa and I arrived mid-afternoon and began unloading boxes of groceries and gifts – that had completely filled my truck. All donated by volunteers, staff and friends as well as several directors in the Young region.
Irma was there with her parents, a family friend and the children. They stood by the door in astonishment as we carried this very special delivery into their meager home. We encircled their small artificial tree with the gifts – allowing only the tip of the tree to be visible. Groceries and house hold supplies covered the table in the dining area. Next to the tree, on display was a photo of the young mother surrounded by flowers from her funeral which was held on Monday.
Nathan was most delighted when he saw a small bag of gold fish crackers. A Delilah’s eyes widened as she realized the boxes were filled with gifts. I presented Irma with a bag filled with money and a generous amount of gift cards. It was at that moment, Irma, overwhelmed with grief and joy broke down with tears of gratitude. She hugged us for several minutes, softly speaking words of thanks. Delilah held on tightly to her grandmothers hand as tears ran down her checks.
There are a number of families in need, and the holidays can be challenging times for the best of us – but for the past two years, it has been an extreme honor to work with volunteers, staff and friends of CareCenter who contribute so generously to support our hospice families.
You warmed my heart!
I'd like to acknowledge a few people within the Young Region for being VERY generous when I reached out to them for some support:
Ellie Kosteck RDO - Young Region
Katrina Idec - General Manager of Dining Services at Lieberman & her staff
Mia Siomos, MS, MPH, RD, LDN | Director of Culinary Services at Villa St Benedict
Bartlomiej Stopyra Director of Dining Services Felician Sisters Convent
I wish you all a wonderful holiday – thank you for everything you do!
Stephen Manno
Director of Dining Services
Director of Dining Services
Morrison Senior Dining
Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center