"Surviving the loss of a loved one is its own kind of test. To tell our story is a way of affirming the life of the loved one we have lost-- the experiences we had together, The favorite family stories. To tell the story is a way of moving the grief along, and so contributes to our own healing".

~Martha Whitmore Hickman~


My dear sister, Heather, lost her battle with lung cancer on March 10th 2004. I was with her when she drew her last breath, as I promised her I would be.She was my only sister.....and younger than I am....The way I figured, I was there when she came into this world, and I would be there when she left. I miss her something terrible, and always will.

Heather loved music......all kinds. She loved her computer, and used to drive herself nuts trying to figure things out..Many a time I would get a phone call.......a DESPERATE one....with Heather on the other end saying "There is a gremlin in my computer.......help!". How I wish she were able to call. Did we argue? Oh yeah..don't all sister's? I would give anything to have her here to argue with.......and she is probably up in Heaven looking down at me and just shaking her head, 'cause I am doing something she doesn't quite agree with..........Gosh......I miss her.

When she was first diagnosed the cancer was already advanced, and Hospice was called in.We truly couldn't have made it without them.



I had certainly heard of Hospice before, but had never experienced just how good they are........until my sister was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
I know we all complain about how our system is broken in so many ways, but we deal with it because it's the only system we have. Well, Hospice works. I have seen compassion and caring from total strangers. They are not only there for the patient, but also the patients family...


  • Hospice enhances the quality of a dying patient's life.

  • Hospice emphasizes the dignity and sense of peace of the individual and the strength of the family.

  • Hospice provides symptom control, interdisciplinary care, support, and counseling.
  • Hospice involves the patient and family to help them through illness and death, including mourning, grieving, and bereavement.
  • Hospice educates healthcare professionals and lay people about symptom control and the needs of terminally ill patients and their families

    • Hospice Net

    The Hospice Foundation of America

    "Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean."
    ~David Searls~




    The following poem comforted Heather in her last months.

    SAFELY HOME
    I am home in Heaven;dear ones,
    Oh, so happy and so bright!
    There is perfect joy and beauty
    In this everlasting light.

    All the pain and grief is over,
    Every restless tossing passed;
    I am now at peace forever,
    Safely home in Heaven at last.

    Did you wonder I so calmly
    Trod the valley of the shade?
    Oh! But Jesus’ love illumined
    Every dark and fearful glade.

    And He came Himself to meet me
    In that way so hard to tread;
    And with Jesus’ arm to lean on,
    Could I have one doubt or dread?

    Then you must not grieve so sorely,
    For I love you dearly still:
    Try to look beyond the earth’s shadows,
    Pray to trust our Fathers Will.

    There is work still waiting for you,
    So you must not idly stand;
    Do it now, while life remaineth –
    You shall rest in Jesus’ land.

    When that work is all completed,
    He will gently call you Home;
    Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
    Oh, the joy to see you come!



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