Keeping Mom's Spirit Alive

When I was growing up, my mom shared stories with me about her work day. I had friends whose mothers were out in the workforce, too, but they didn’t hear stories like I did.

My mom was a hospice aide. I could feel the love she had for her patients as she told me stories about them. Clients like “Toppy” who preyed on my mom’s sweet tooth by introducing her to Friendly’s ice cream cups. “Al,” who had a beautiful white Angora cat named Snowball that my mother took as good care of as she did him. Another client had a dog as big as she was, and she would let him cuddle up right next to her while sitting on the couch.

My mom was around very ill people all the time, but talked to me about the process of dying in a way that wasn’t morbid or depressing. She talked about being present with families as their loved one transitioned. She helped her patients by giving them comfort, respect, and dignity. Everything she shared inevitably helped prepare me for her transition.

Care Dimensions hospice patient Sue "Flo" Wilson with daughter Mikki Wilson
Mikki Wilson, who was primary caregiver for her mom, shares a happy moment with her.

Florence “Sue” Wilson was a hospice aide for nearly 40 years, and worked for various home health care agencies, including Care Dimensions (then Hospice of the North Shore), which she enjoyed the most. So after she was treated for breast and ovarian cancer and needed hospice herself, Mom turned to Care Dimensions.

The Care Dimensions clinical team gave her the dignity and care she needed to stay at home until she died on May 5, 2015. We could not have done that without them. I was Mom’s primary caregiver and am grateful that I could spend that time with her. Looking back, I realize that throughout my childhood my mother gave me the tools I would need to cope when she was at the end of life. I finally understood the peace that she was able to provide so many individuals and families when she was a hospice aide.

Care Dimensions hospice patient Sue "Flo" Wilson painted nails with polka dots
Sue “Flo” Wilson liked to show off the fun and fancy designs her daughter Mikki painted on her fingernails.

When I was caring for Mom, I would help brighten her day by polishing her nails and toes, and accenting them with pretty and fun designs. It lifted her spirits. So now I’m putting that experience into another positive effort: the “Tips ‘n’ Toes for Flo” team that’s raising money for Care Dimensions’ 29th Walk for Hospice.

Proceeds from the Walk for Hospice help fund services not covered by insurance, including pediatric hospice, grief counseling, complementary therapies, compassionate care for the uninsured and underinsured, and much more. Mom wanted to participate in the Walk but when her health declined, she was unable to do so. I’m committed to carrying on her support for hospice and Care Dimensions by organizing my team, serving on the Walk Committee, and helping any way I can. I hope you will join me in one or more of the following ways:

• Support the Tips ‘n’ Toes for Flo team
• Register for the Walk for Hospice on October 2 and raise funds
• Buy a ticket to the Walk for Hospice Party on September 8
• Join the Walk for Hospice Facebook Group, like the Care Dimensions Facebook Page, and share their posts.