Now More Than Ever: Hospice helps families live out meaningful moments
A Fish Wish
{By Hospice of Davidson County staff member Windy Cole-Hedrick}
A moment is defined as “a very brief period of time.” It is in these moments dreams are realized, wishes fulfilled, and memories made. Some are grand epic moments, some are dull and hazy, some are satisfying and peaceful. If we are fortunate, some moments are spent with sunshine on our face, light breeze in the air, rod in hand, fishing. This tale begins when Anthony Farabee (HODC patient) shared his hope to go fishing with his personal care team (HHAs). Kristain and Kathy shared Anthony’s wish to fish with others on the team and championed Anthony in his goal. With team collaboration, working to be mindful of COVID risks, and abiding safety precautions, Anthony got his wish. In the weeks’ prior, Windy Cole-Hedrick began coordinating resources.
Tiffany Parrish and Mary Manor battled spiders and along with Christa Young spent time on hands and knees digging items out of the storage building, untangling fishing line, hooks, bobbers, sorting and organizing Anthony’s tackle box. Kathy, Kristain, Avery, and Mary searched through clothes, hats, and jackets to pull together a fishing ensemble.
Then we were ready! The BIG day, Saturday, October 3rd began in a flurry of activity with Avery and Mary getting Anthony suited up for his first time out of his home in a very long time. Shane and I assisted with gathering up the needed items for the day, DME, O2, medication, food, tackle box, and rods. Providence transport arrived and Anthony was full speed ahead (and I do mean FULL SPEED) in his power chair. Loaded up and ready to go; we arrived at fishing destination spot on High Rock Lake, the home of our hosts, Todd Kennedy and Portia Propst.
Being a gentleman, Anthony made sure the ladies rods were ready first and took pride in educating Christa and Melissa on getting the rods ready, digging through the tackle box for weights, hooks, and of course, hooking the bait! Shane was the muscle, (maybe the baiter), medication manager, experienced fisher, and managed Anthony’s medical needs throughout the day. I took pictures and made sure the events flowed as planned. Although the fish were not biting and we drowned a few worms, Anthony enjoyed a feast. Angie Hughes prepared a nice brunch and Anthony’s favorite sweet tea. Todd and Portia generously made their home open to us and provided an afternoon smorgasbord of Back Country BBQ with fixings, snacks, and desserts. Anthony spent “moments” Saturday, sitting on the pier, fishing, reflecting, laughing, smiling, listening to music, enjoying the fresh air, sun on his face, and sharing life stories. “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of that which is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope,” Author Unknown. Hospice is about hope, meaningful moments, memory making, and LIVING.
Anthony experienced this hope and a wish fulfilled…meaningful moments.
