Dorothy was the unexpected and welcomed difference in making the Hospice experience a much more palatable and positive experience than we expected. Dorothy and my wife B found a person in each other, not just that “nurse – patient” connection. B was a stroke patient who had expressive aphasia and found discussion difficult but, for whatever reason, could hold a conversation with Dorothy. One day when Dorothy was here, we spoke. For whatever reason, my mindset about the Hospice purpose clarified, and I had a much-avoided and dreaded chat with Dorothy about the “end of life” for B. Like a sister or daughter, we chatted, two people who cared about the same person, the options to consider, and the reason we make some decisions.

Little did I know that about 4 hours later my best friend of 68 years and my partner in life for 58 years would be the hardest hour and 50 minutes in my life. It was time, whether I wanted it or not, it was B’s time. Dorothy had prepared me for what I needed to do and expect once this started. The measure of a good person is the one who does a job without accolade, goes beyond the requirements of the job, and quietly makes sure that they are always kind, understanding, and calm no matter the circumstances. Dorothy cares about hospice, the patient, and comfort but she also touched our hearts and soul.