I have kept my nest close to these folk at the Rainey
Hospice House for many seasons, but my dove history traces back 25 years
through the generations of birds that precede me. The story of the past 25 years, as told
through my ‘fore-feathers’ is amazing:
As mourning doves we spend a lot of time on the ground, scratching for seeds and crumbs. So it was natural that the doves often gathered near the hospital grounds. They told of noticing a lot of excitement, but five determined women in particular, and many were joining in. 25 years ago, word was going around about a new way to care for people with a terminal illness and provide support for their families.
They had a vision. They sought a different kind of hope – to maintain dignity, enable folk to live to the fullest, be free from pain, and spend valuable time with loved ones, wherever they might call home.
We doves were drawn to these kind and dedicated people and
their efforts to begin Hospice. It was
called Hospice of Anderson at the start.
We were especially pleased that the symbol of a dove was incorporated
into their logo. And that dove has
stayed as their logo has evolved.
As time went on, I also heard stories passed down from other
birds of our family. There was a flurry
of activity now in a house on Summit Avenue near the hospital. These hospice workers were getting organized,
enlisting even more volunteers, reaching out to more and more patients and
families, bringing their distinct kind of comfort and support. This handful of folks had engaged the
community and their vision was catching on.
A new day was dawning.
One of the birds of our family passed on the story of being
so intrigued by the dedication of these folk, that he followed them to a nearby
house and witnessed the team of nurses, doctor, social worker, aide and
chaplain made a visit to one of these families.
He watched as each addressed the particular needs of the individual and
loved ones – adjusting medications, helping to bathe, lining up Meals on
Wheels, Lifeline, calling in volunteers to sit with the patient so the wife
could go to the store, and even having prayer with them. It was moving to think of how their lives had
been enriched, how a different kind of healing and wholeness had been brought
to their spirits.
Now it was my turn to witness first hand these committed
folk of Hospice of the Upstate. They
came to my neck of the woods. They built
a new facility here on the old Waycaster farm.
I watched as construction was completed on first one wing and then a
second wing of an impatient facility and their offices here. It was a wonder to behold. Every effort was made to create a homelike,
welcoming atmosphere.
Part of the vision of Hospice of the Upstate was ongoing
outreach and education for the community that had given rise to this gifted
organization. They sought to continue to
spread the word of all that could be offered at the end of life. Construction began once again and a beautiful
structure, the Sadler Building, was completed.
Included was a beautiful space for meetings and gatherings as more
programs were designed for the community.
As you can imagine, my favorite was the Butterfly and Dove release
program. Oh, the thrill of seeing those
white doves released at the end of the program, to have them circle overhead
several times, and then wing their way home.
The symbolism was palpable – snow white doves, released out into the
world to carry on this wonderful message of a new kind of hope brought by
Hospice of the Upstate.
I will pass the message of Hospice of the Upstate – a
different kind of hope at the end of life – to the generations that follow me,
and I marvel at the idea of what the next 25 years might bring.
