Nanette Mathe

I recently conducted a survey among my patients asking them what they are most thankful for. The number one answer was “loved ones”. They are thankful for the loved ones who are taking care of them, the loved ones from the past who helped shape their lives, and loved ones whose lives they have helped shape. It was nearly unanimous!

The second thing they are most thankful for was an experience of some kind. For example, some said they got to see the art of a favorite artist, or hear a concert of a favorite composer or musician. Others talked about having the opportunity to travel to see something magnificent like the Grand Canyon, or Paris, or the animals in Africa.

For those who believe in God, they are thankful for the years they have had while wishing for just a little more time. But still, they are thankful.

Funny, they weren’t thankful for the extra hours they put in at their jobs, or, for that matter, for money earned, money spent, or even money given away. Hmmmm… what does that teach us?

With this wonderful Thanksgiving holiday upon us, what are you thankful for? What is out there that you have a passion for and would like to experience? Do it soon so you, too, can add it to your list!

Nanette Mathe is an Alive Hospice chaplain who serves on the agency’s Murfreesboro team.

Janny Adkins

The other evening, I was watching the last of the hummingbirds feed from the feeder on my deck. I was thinking about how much I enjoy those little creatures, and how blessed and joyful I feel to have them on my deck.

Appreciation for connecting moments with all living creatures and nature has been a benefit of working in hospice. Over my career in health care, I have spent a great deal of those years in hospice work. Without a doubt, my involvement with hospice, specifically hospice patients, has taught me to appreciate these moments in nature such as watching hummingbirds, sunsets, and counting the stars as they appear in the sky.

Facing the possibility of a limited number of days to live, many hospice patients teach through their actions and words that making a conscious connection to nature can help sustain and foster a sense of life, regardless of the number of days that one may live. Appreciation of the beauty of nature and others connects us to life through expression of the feelings of appreciation and gratitude. We then connect to life, not death, by focusing on the present moment.

Life makes itself known only in the present moment as does death. And so, hospice patients have taught me much about how to live life by staying connected to it in each moment. A good lesson for all of us.

Janny Adkins is an Alive Hospice account executive who informs health care professionals, patients, and families about hospice care.

Nanette Mathe

Working in hospice has changed my daily practice. I have learned from my patients to practice and celebrate what is truly important in life. Each patient finds what is important and embraces it. For example, patients may choose family, friends, music, nature, movies, sports, or hobbies as being important to them (and the list goes on).

My patients choose what is important to them that day and celebrate it. I have learned to celebrate what the day brings, practice what’s important to me, and share God’s love. When I live this way, each day contains a beginning, middle, and end. If I die tonight, there would be no regrets.

Nanette Mathe is an Alive Hospice chaplain.

Films like the classic Mary Poppins may be categorized as children’s movies, but there’s an awful lot adults can learn from them. Take, for instance, the scene with dear old Uncle Albert, Mary Poppins and Bert. It’s easy to dismiss the scene as one full of silliness because of the near-constant giggling, but the laugher’s the point. It makes Uncle Albert feel good. So good, in fact, that he floats up to the ceiling with each chuckle.

Alive Hospice RN Ossie Jefferson-Corley pictured at a previous laughter workshop.

A not-so-subtle metaphor? Laughter can lift one’s spirits. And we’ve all heard that laughter is a powerful medicine. Alive Hospice’s Ossie Jefferson-Corley, a hospice nurse and a certified laughter leader, knows this all too well.

Ossie had a group of Alive Hospice coworkers roaring with laughter just recently at a staff gathering. She leads the occasional laughter workshop at Alive Hospice to encourage her colleagues to take time to let loose and enjoy the benefits of laughter. Hospice caregivers are often reminded that taking care of themselves is an essential part of taking care of others. Allowing oneself to laugh is one more way to do just that.

“We work hard physically and mentally,” Ossie said. “Research shows that laughter does several things. It strengthens the immune system. It improves breathing, arterial blood flow, digestion, and sleep. It also burns calories.”

Researchers at the Loma Linda School of Medicine have weighed in on the benefits of laughter and, in a nutshell, have found that it’s a great way to reduce stress.

No matter your role in life, whether hospice caregiver, hospital ER doc or nurse, primary caregiver for a loved one with a serious illness, or someone who’s having a bad day (as we’re all prone to do from time to time), take a cue from Ossie and Uncle Albert: Laugh out loud!