By Joann M. Ringelstetter
Four years ago at this time, our dad was nearing the end of his life at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. On the evening of July 9, Ruth and I went to visit Dad. When we got there, however, the staff were working with him, so our stepmother grabbed a sandwich and we went out to one of the patios.
On a previous visit, I had noticed some very beautiful flowers outside Dad’s window and was impressed with Agrace for creating beauty to lighten the hearts of patients and their families.
So, Ruth sat on the patio and kept our stepmom company while I explored all the gardens around the complex. I found pink hydrangea bushes,
orange lilies,
blue hydrangea bushes,
yellow lilies,
and many other lily colors. The gardens were beautiful and they brightened up an otherwise sad time in our lives. We were grateful to Agrace for maintaining these wonderful gardens and for the care they gave our dad as he prepared to leave this world.
Happy Shunpiking!
Joann
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Beautiful reflection on finding grace, peace and hope in the midst of one of life's most challenging moments!
ReplyDeleteI am glad that your father found a place, with so much beauty around for his last days. Belated Condolences. :)
ReplyDeleteIt sure doesn't seem possible that it is four years already since Dad left us and Paul just the month before. Agrace is such a peaceful, beautiful place for patients and their family members.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments about the beauty at Agrace. The Madison area is lucky to have such a wonderful caretaking organization that does a wonderful job of taking care of patients as well as their family members.
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