While cure for illness or disease is not always possible, care for those with illness or disease always is. It is that special care, given by families, loved ones, professionals and volunteers that we recognize during Hospice Palliative Care Week.
The biblical narrative that may poignantly remind us of comfort and care given and received is Christ’s washing of His apostles’ feet – feet that were sandaled and sore - feet which Christ required be made available.
This action is commemorated in some churches on Holy Thursday with congregational members having their feet washed by a person who ministers. Each time I attend that service and watch volunteers remove their socks, my mind imagines all those who cannot perform that simple task. Whether prevented from doing so by the muscle loss of ALS, the tremors of Parkinson’s, the pain of Cancer, the ravages of AIDS, or the unknowingness of Alzheimer’s, many who are ill cannot bend to reach their feet. And, it can be more difficult for them to accept to have their socks removed, or feet washed, than it is for a caregiver to accept to help with those actions.
During Hospice Palliative Care Week, let us celebrate the professionals and volunteers who have learned that dying is a rich and rewarding life process. As importantly, let us celebrate the individuals and families who not only give care, but who also have the courage to accept help. In so doing, they allow illness and disease to open a door where blessings and graces flow in and out. It is caregiver and care receiver who, together, make the wonderful magic that is Hospice Palliative Care.
We ask your prayers for both.
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marie Salamoun-Dunne
"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself. Never pity yourself. Be a hard master to yourself - and be lenient to everybody else." Henry Ward Beecher
MGM
© ALS Independence 2003-10