Families Share Treasured Memories at Annual Event

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We all have them. Special memories of time spent with a loved one. With perfect clarity, we remember the sounds, scents and feelings of the moment. Sometimes the collection of these moments play like a slideshow in our mind. After the death of a loved one, these memories sustain us. They connect us to the past and give us strength to move forward in our grief.

At its Annual Remembrance Event, Homeland Hospice staff and volunteers welcomed family members who have lost a loved one during the past year. Homeland Hospice is a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Families Share Treasured Memories at Annual EventEach family member was given an opportunity to share a cherished memory about his or her loved one. Afterwards, attendees selected a decorated memory rock to keep in honor of their loved one.

“I will always remember my husband’s phone calls,” remarked a widow at the event. “He would call me several times a day just to say I love you.”

When we can no longer go to our loved ones for advice, memories can serve as our compass and guide our actions.

“My mother taught me to stand tall in times of adversity,” recalled a daughter speaking about her mother. “She was pure courage under fire.”

For Amanda Thorson, a CNA with Homeland Hospice, this year’s event held added significance. Amanda’s father Joe died in February. Joe received in-home relief services through Homeland Hospice during his end-of-life journey.

“As a professional, I understood the severity of his illness,” Amanda said, “As a daughter, I was heartbroken.”

Amanda brought her family to the event to help her children in the grieving process. Recently, Amanda and her family have begun bereavement counseling through Homeland.

“Joe was my grandfather and best friend,” remarked Amanda’s daughter. “He was the glue that held our family together.”

Homeland Hospice provides bereavement support through phone calls, mailings, one-on-one consultations and support groups up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. Support groups offer self-awareness, healing, helping others, a sense of community and coping skills.

At the close of the event, Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice reminded attendees that we have all been changed because of the people we knew and loved.

“Trust in the hope and promise of life,” Brian says. “Know that you are never alone.”

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief.

To learn more, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose or Noelle Valentine at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

A Journey from Hops to Beer: The Grief Path

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A Journey from Hops to Beer: The Grief Path

“Creating our collection of farmhouse style beers is an exercise in patience,“ says Matt Miller, co-owner of Mellow Mink Brewing in Mechanicsburg. “We combine the ingredients in barrels and give beer time to develop its unique characteristics. The process can’t be rushed.”

The journey of grief, like the process of making beer, takes time and patience. While each individual’s journey is unique, everyone experiences transitions from recognizing loss to forming a new way of life.

At its recent event, “A Journey from Hops to Beer: The Grief Path” Homeland Hospice discussed the grieving process with individuals who have experience the death of a loved one. Homeland Hospice is a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

For friends Cathy and Carol, the event was a chance to connect with others who understand the unique heartache of losing a loved one and navigating a new life. Cathy’s husband died two years ago and Carol’s husband died last year. Both families received services from Homeland Hospice.

“I’m here to support Carol because I know how difficult it can be to socialize during grief,” Cathy says. “I’ll support her as long as she needs me.”

Cathy and Carol both attend Homeland’s Women’s Luncheon Series, which provides an opportunity for women to navigate their grief journey in a safe and supportive space. No topic is off limits and everyone has an opportunity to share. They have found the luncheons to be source of strength and value new friendships made in the group.

Recently, the ladies took their first cruise together to the Bahamas. They are planning another cruise to Bermuda later this year.

“I couldn’t have made it through the past year without Cathy,” Carol says. “She’s both a mentor and friend.”

At the end of the evening, attendees sampled flights of beer from Mellow Mink and talked about their personal paths through grief. Individuals who were strangers when the night began offered each other support and encouragement.

“I know the journey is difficult, but it’s worth it,” says Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

Homeland Hospice provides bereavement support through phone calls, mailings, one-on-one consultations and support groups up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. Support groups offer self-awareness, healing, helping others, a sense of community and coping skills.

The Women’s Soup and Salad Luncheons are held the third Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Isaac’s Grill at the West Shore Plaza.

To learn more, please contact Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

An Uplifting Experience

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Andrew, Dann, & Mark

L to R: Andrew Wenger,
Dann Caldwell, Mark Harris

Having a background in children and youth spiritual services, Andrew Wenger, did not know what to expect when he walked into his Homeland Hospice internship in September 2018. Andrew has spent the last seven months shadowing Dann Caldwell and Mark Harris. They taught him to listen more than speak, based on the needs of the patient and their family.

The value of silent observation was a helpful tool in “getting the full picture,” and “meeting the patient or family member where they are.” Andrew says that he was also given the opportunity to work with bereaved children and was able to familiarize himself with the process of preparing ahead of time, meeting them in the moment of loss, and continuing to counsel after all sets in.

Working with Hospice patients and their families has given Andrew a lot to consider in his future career of church service. Andrew says he will take the lessons he has learned and apply them to his work with church congregants, so that all are given a safe space to come and have someone who will reach out them in a moment of need. Good luck, Andrew! Thank you for all you did during your time with us!

A Father’s Life Lessons Guide Teens Through Grief

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Matt Evans of Duncannon lived his life with passion and purpose. He enjoyed rooting for the Tennessee Volunteers football team, making his famous chili for family and friends, and playing golf and video games. Undeniably, his greatest love was his wife Kathy, son Brady, age 12, and daughter Taryn, age 13.

Matt was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2017 and died in February 2018. After spending much of December 2017 in the hospital, Matt came home on New Year’s Eve under the care of Homeland Hospice, a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Through Homeland Hospice, Matt received nursing care and assistance, medical equipment and message therapy to help manage his symptoms. This support helped Matt spend every precious moment with his family.

“Our family created a strong bond with Matt’s nurse Brianna Schriner,” Kathy says. “We couldn’t have asked for a better person to support our family during this difficult time.”

A Father’s Life Lessons Guide Teens Through Grief

Homeland Hospice Bereavement Counselor, Brian Medkeff-Rose with Brady.

A month before Matt died, Homeland connected the Evans family to pre-bereavement counseling with Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice. Brian continued to meet with Brady and Taryn after the death of their father.

“Brian makes it easy to talk about our dad,” Taryn says. “He let’s us know that its okay to cry.”

During their conversations with Brian, Brady and Taryn enjoy talking about topics they once shared with their dad like sports, video games and books.

“Grieving young people are attempting to cope with so many changes in their lives,” Brian says. “I have always been impressed with their courage, and consider it a privilege to be part of their lives along their way toward healing.”

Before his death, Matt passed along treasured gifts of significance to his children. He gave Taryn DVDs of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, a collection of documentary-style sports stories. For Brady, he bestowed his cherished golf bag. These gifts serve as reminders of precious memories Brady and Taryn made with their father and the valuable life lessons they learned from him.

Two days prior to Matt’s death, he was able to participate in a rite of passage for his son. Brady had completed his Cub Scout requirements and was scheduled to officially “bridge over” to Boy Scouts in the spring of 2018. Brady’s den leaders organized a special bridging ceremony at the Evans’ home so Matt could personally pin Brady with his Boy Scout pin, marking this important crossover in Scouting.

“It was surprising to see my dad cry,” Brady says. “It’s a special memory I will never forget.”

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief. Bereavement support is available through phone calls, mailings, one-on-one consultations and support groups up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. Pre-bereavement counseling is also available for children and teens.

To learn more, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Homeland Team Helps Kathy Page Find Peace and Comfort

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Homeland Team Helps Kathy Page Find Peace and ComfortThere are moments in one’s life when the right people emerge to offer comfort and strength when it’s needed most. For Kathy Page of Camp Hill, this support came from the team at Homeland Hospice.

Kathy’s husband, Charlie, died last summer after battling cancer for four years. During the final month of his life, Homeland helped manage Charlie’s physical pain and provided emotional and spiritual support to both Charlie and Kathy.

“I call the hospice team my angels,” Kathy says. “They were with me every step of the way. I never felt alone in this journey.”

Kathy’s “team of angels” included Pam Ramsey, BSW, social worker at Homeland Hospice (pictured above and left with Kathy), Franchesca Washington, RN Case Manager, and Chaplain Mark P. Harris, M.A., M.Div., Spiritual Counselor at Homeland.

During their brief time together, Mark and Charlie developed a unique connection. From the moment they met, they understood one another, like long-time friends.

“Charlie trusted Mark and felt comfortable opening up about his life,” Kathy says. “Their conversations helped both Charlie and me find peace during his final days.”

At Kathy’s request, Mark officiated Charlie’s graveside service.

“We cared for Charlie and Kathy like we would our own family,” Pam says. “It was a privilege to support this loving couple.”

Recently Kathy began attending Homeland’s women’s luncheon series, which helps women navigate their journey of grief in a safe and supportive space. Kathy is making new friends in the group, and finds strength in learning from others while sharing her own story. She is considering taking a trip to Europe with attendees from the group.

“Grief can be all-encompassing and it’s easy to shut down,” Kathy adds. “Through Pam and my Homeland team, I’ve learned it’s okay for me to make time for myself and let others into my life.”

Homeland Hospice provides bereavement support through phone calls, mailings, one-on-one consultations and support groups up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. Support groups offer self-awareness, healing, helping others, a sense of community and coping skills.

The Women’s Soup and Salad Luncheons are held the third Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Isaac’s Grill at the West Shore Plaza.

To learn more, please contact us at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

The Poiesz Family: Sharing Love, Laughter and Hope in Time of Grief

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The Poiesz Family

Among his countless accomplishments, Bob Poiesz of Mechanicsburg was a proud father and husband with a quick wit and contagious sense of humor. His belief in living each moment to its fullest created an atmosphere of love, laughter and hope during his end-of-life journey.

Rhonda Rush, LPN, with Homeland Hospice, connected with the Poiesz family during the final stages of Bob’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Her first day, Valentine’s Day of 2016, became an important anniversary for Rhonda and the Poiesz family. Bob insisted they mark the occasion with anniversary parties each month.

“Bob was a social guy who loved to tell stories,” says Bob’s wife Cathy. “He felt respected and connected to Rhonda and the Homeland staff.”

During their time together, Bob frequently shared photos of his three children with Rhonda and told her about their activities and successes. As Bob’s illness progressed and he became unable to speak with the many friends that visited, he would give Rhonda “the look” so she could show the photos and repeat the stories he had once told her.

“We grew to think of Rhonda as family,” says Cindy Poiesz, Bob’s daughter. “Her presence helped create a sense of normality for us. We needed this support as the rest of our world was changing.”

The special bond Rhonda and the Poiesz family created helped sustain the family during the progression of Bob’s disease and the final days of his life.

“Homeland helped Bob keep his dignity,” Cathy adds. “Rhonda was my rock. She helped us find our way through some very dark days.”

More than a year after Bob’s death, he continues to have a positive impact in the lives of others. At Bob’s urging, Rhonda is pursing her degree to become a registered nurse. She keeps a photo of Bob on her desk to motivate her when she is overwhelmed by the coursework.

“Bob became a mentor and cheerleader to me,” Rhonda says. “He encouraged me to grow my career and take on new challenges.”

Rhonda also uses the experiences she learned from caring for Bob to help other Homeland patients battling ALS.

Homeland provides a full continuum of services to care for patients, and to support families, as their needs change.

Homeland Hospice teams are comprised of a registered nurse case manager, hospice medical director, attending physician, volunteer coordinator, social workers, counselors, home health aides and others. All team members are patient and family-focused.

For more information, call Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.