“To fear death, gentlemen, is no other than to think oneself wise when one is not, to think one knows what one does not know. No one knows whether death may not be the greatest of all blessings for a man, yet men fear it as if they knew that it is the greatest of evils.”
― Socrates
Americans seem to think dying is optional, a choice we make when ready, but it really chooses us, often when least expected. It’s not optional and it’s painful. Hospice nurses are available to help with the process. Their services are featured on Manchester Review in February. The motivation for a show explaining Hospice services was that Patrick Peak, father of Manchester Review host Jack Peak, had been on Hospice for months this past year, gradually dying of old age. He and his family received Hospice services for almost a year. He died in January 2014 at the age of 101. Death crept in slowly, some days with terror and dread, at other times with acceptance, peace and closure . Hospice nurses and services helped negotiate his path to the end. This show is dedicated to all of the Vernon VNA Hospice staff who helped his family through the final days. The show is not specifically about Patricks’ experience with hospice. but it explains the philosophy, support and services provided. Hospice folks at the Vernon VNA help ease the pain of death and assist individuals and families through the grieving process. The Hospice mission is explained on Manchester Review by guests Lori Sargeant, VNA Hospice Clinical Supervisor, and Patty Albrecht, VNA Hospice Community Liaison. The program will air on Cox Channel 15, Monday nights at 9 PM in February and on YouTube at any time. Click on the following links to watch it on YouTube: YouTube- Manchester Review: Hospice, Part I and YouTube- Manchester Review: Hospice Part II Comments and questions are welcome at: manchesterreview@gmail.com.
