There is a point when you learn to accept that you will not live forever no matter how well you eat, exercise, and do all the right things. We will all experience an end-of-life journey riding off into the sunset like the hero in a cowboy Western. The question is what kind of journey do you want that to be?
Facing this end-of-life journey is scary. We try to avoid it, and too often a person doesn’t receive the support so they can live as fulfilling a life as possible for the rest of their life. But hospice can provide that support.
Because hospice is often misunderstood, it is requested too late, missing out on months of supportive care they could have received including an interdisciplinary care team that comes to the person’s home and addresses the burdens they and their family face – all at little or no cost.
Anyone can request hospice services not just a physician: a family member, a friend, or the person. Hospice will contact the provider and determine if the person qualifies for hospice services. Generally, to be eligible a physician must predict a life expectancy of six months or less, but there is no limit to the length of time as long as the person continues to qualify for hospice.
Most of us are afraid of dying; it’s not something we generally discuss around the kitchen table. But Hospice is not just about dying, it’s as much about living: living a life of discovery, love, and even joy to the end of this wonderful journey.
Two hospices serve the Columbia Gorge; Bristol Hospice (541-386-1942) and Providence Hospice (541-387-6449). Gorge End of Life Services also offers services that are an extra layer of support to medical and hospice services and are not replacing hospice. You can learn more about their services by going to their website https://gorgeendoflifeservices.com/.
On May 18th Bristol Hospice invites the community to the Bristol Hospice Memorial and Kite Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. near the Waterfront Events Site in Hood River. You will be treated to the awe-inspiring sight of colossal kites soaring high in the sky flown by professional kite flyers. It will be a day of joy for individuals looking to honor the memory of loved ones and a day of fun for families. Everyone is encouraged to bring their kites and picnic baskets to make the most of this memorable occasion.
For more information about the Bristol Hospice Memorial and Kite Festival, contact Bristol Hospice at 541-386-1942 or thomas.keolker@bristolhospice.com.
BRAIN TEASE: You get off easy this week. See how you do.
You live in a one story house made entirely of redwood. What color would the stairs be?
Besides myself, Judy Kiser, Dave Lutgens, Doug Nelson, Sam Bilyeu, Kathy Bullack, Lana Tepfer, and Rebecca Abrams remember every Friday being served some form of fish usually fish sticks; Mike McFarlane remembers Tuna Noodle Casserole; and Linda Frizzell remembers Hot Dogs. But the winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Kathy Bullack who also shared her most memorable lunch called a “flying saucer”: a slab of bologna with mashed potatoes on top, spinach or peas on the side, milk in a glass – and you could have a big chocolate chip cookie if you ate all your lunch! Ah, what the kids miss these days.
This lighted sign in downtown Portland was redesigned in 2010 to become the “Portland Oregon” sign. But for this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the sportswear company that in 1957 modified the sign on the roof of its downtown Portland building to include a male deer leaping over an outline of the state of Oregon? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with a vintage white jacket – a must-wear if you wanted to be cool in high school in Portland during the 50s. At least that’s what I was told!
Well, it’s been another week, hoping for at least one good idea. Until we meet again, keep the sails up – you never know when the wind will blow.
“To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep stepping.” Chinese Proverb
Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Wednesdays with music on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
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