Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The Custom of the Quilt


Dignity.  It is an important word to those whom I watch working as I fly about at Hospice of the Upstate.  It seems important to them because it seems important to those they serve.  Apparently dignity can be hard to come by when one is suffering illness.  Yet it is so important for these nurses, aides, and other hospice workers.  It is a word I hear uttered over and over.  Perhaps it is a goal second only to comfort.  What is this dignity they strive so mightily to impart to those special patients who fall under their care? 

A new custom has found its way into the hearts of caring staff at the Rainey Hospice House.  A custom that bears out this gift of dignity upon those they serve.

Making my nest on the grounds among these amazing and compassionate people, I have witnessed the dignity with which they treat those at the time of death.  I have witnessed it often, in fact, and I have been proud of what I see.  But this is something new.  Something deliberate.  

At the time of death, a loving and caring hospice worker has retrieved The Quilt and draped the patient with it.  As the patient is escorted down the hall, each and every staff member has stopped to stand at attention.  It is a beautiful demonstration of respect. An outward display of dignity.  So simple.  So…, well…, so dignified.