Traverse City Record-Eagle

Ed Hungness

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May 1, 2011

Reflections: Caring made easier

By ED HUNGNESS Local Columnist

In March, my wife, Dian, and I had the opportunity and privilege to care for a dear friend.

Dian and Lynn had been best friends for 42 years. During most of that time, they lived in the same city or state, but there were a few years when many miles separated them. Throughout the changes and challenges of life, their friendship remained steadfast and we've always thought of Lynn as part of our family.

In mid-March, Lynn was diagnosed with cancer.

News like this is never good, but in Lynn's case it was devastating. The cancer had been advancing for many months prior to the diagnosis and by the time of its discovery, it had spread to multiple organs. The doctor told Lynn that she likely had only a few months to live and that curative treatment wouldn't be effective due to the advanced stage of the disease.

She lived alone except for her faithful dog, Asa, and lovable kitty, Gabber. Since Lynn had to go to Traverse City for another test, we convinced her to stay with us for a few days while other good friends agreed to look after her pets. She stayed with us for two nights, and then we drove her home. She missed her pets and had other things that needed to be done.

On her second day at home, she broke her collarbone while retrieving something from the floor. In addition to everything else, she now had one arm bound in a sling. Her friends offered to continue caring for Asa and Gabber, and we brought Lynn back to our home to stay while her broken bone mended.

The doctor who diagnosed Lynn's condition suggested she should consider hospice care. Calls were made. The very next day an admitting nurse from Hospice of Michigan arrived for a meeting, and Lynn agreed to accept care from that organization.

Hospice of Michigan offers services to people with terminal illnesses and provides a support system for their caregivers. The role of hospice is to offer comfort rather than a cure. It emphasizes the patients' emotional and spiritual needs along with their physical conditions. In addition, it recognizes that friends and family members also need attention during their loved one's illness.

Lynn's Hospice of Michigan care team was based in Traverse City, and they immediately sprang into action. We were quickly impressed with their warmth and professionalism. Regularly scheduled visits were established, with additional help only a phone call away and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On a couple occasions, Lynn needed assistance during the night, and the Hospice of Michigan team responded quickly by sending a nurse to our home.

The care team consisted of many dedicated individuals, and we wish to express our deepest gratitude to each of them. Lynn's nurses were Sylvia, Shannon, Kathy, Carol and Cathy. Her patient aide was Rhonda, her social worker was Shelly, and her spiritual care was provided by Chaplain Ron.

We also are grateful to the hospice staff who worked behind the scenes to handle phone calls, coordinate team schedules and facilitate the delivery of medications, supplies and equipment.

During her short journey, two of Lynn's very close friends spent some time in our home to visit her and offer assistance with her care. Lynn had many wonderful friends who prayed, sent flowers, cards of encouragement and many loving notes. As caregivers, we were blessed to have many friends and family members covering us with their prayers.

One of Lynn's greatest concerns was for a good home to be found for her dog and cat, and she hoped that Asa and Gabber could stay together. The day before Lynn passed away, a dedicated hospice volunteer named Kate adopted both animals. Our friend, Lynn, went to be with the Lord on April 9.

We are confident that Lynn is smiling with the knowledge that her loyal companions are together and safe in their new home with Kate.

Ed Hungness and his wife owned their cottage on Fife Lake for six years before moving there after his retirement in 2005. He can be reached at edhungness@yahoo.com.

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