Erin Go Bragh! Here at Hospice no holiday or special occasion goes unrecognized; any reason to have some fun and brighten the days of our residents, their loved ones and our volunteers and staff too! Alysson Storey, Community & Donor Relations Coordinator for the Hospice Foundation brought her fiddle to Hospice today and played a few jigs & reels for the residents and their families. Here's a short clip of one of her visits with a resident. Our staff and volunteers are always happy to go above and beyond (or side-to-side, jiggity-jig) for our residents and famillies. Happy St. Patrick's Day! May the road rise to you meet you.

Here at Hospice we encourage open discussions about death and dying. But we recognize that it can be a very difficult topic and one we want to help ease the burden of fear that can surround it. These frank conversations are the subject of a recent book by palliative care educator Kathy Cortes-Miller - "Talking About Death Won't Kill You". The book is in part an answer to the concerns that arose during her own treatment for cancer and the role of health-care providers in helping patients and their loved ones approach death. If this is something that you or a loved one are facing, this book might help ease some of your fears and help with difficult conversations. #FridayReads http://www.news1130.com/2018/03/08/book-talking-about-death-wont-kill-you-aims-to-prompt-frank-conversations/

We are always so appreciative when local individuals or groups organize fundraising events to benefit Hospice. There is one coming up one month today at Evangel Community Church - the amazingly talented The Scott Woods Band - Fiddling UP A STORM show will be coming to Chatham on April 14th. For a full list of tickets locations, please click on the photo below. Thank you for your support!

On #WellnessWednesday we wanted to share this article about one of the Hospice services we provide to residents and their loved ones: massage and therapeutic touch. We have trained massage therapists who visit Hospice regularly to provide their services, which can help lower blood pressure, stabilize heart rate and stimulate release of endorphins; plus positive feelings of being cared for and eased depression, anxiety and fear. Ensuring our residents and their families are comfortable is a top priority for us here at Hospice. #WellnessWednesday https://www.massagemag.com/essential-information-hospice-massage-therapist-88173/

#TransformationTuesday Our Hospice courtyard is patiently waiting for warmer weather. Our Garden Volunteers have started some early sprucing-up with pruning, cleaning and prepping for Spring (which can come any day now :))! If gardening is something you enjoy and would like to share with others, we're always welcoming new volunteers to help. Just call Melanie at 519-354-3113 to learn more. #TransformationTuesday

On #MotivationMonday we ask - have you registered for Hike for Hospice yet? While running shoe weather still seems far away, April 29th and warmer temps will be here before you know it! Nothing like Spring to help motivate you to get outside and enjoy the sunshine - that, and helping Hospice families! Register today at www.hikeforhospiceck.com. #MondayMotivation

How heartwarming to see the support for Leah and her recent generous gift to Hospice for her 8th birthday to honour a loved one. Her story of kindness and love is going viral. We are so thankful for you Leah! #SaturdayShoutout http://blackburnnews.com/chatham/chatham-news/2018/03/09/local-girl-collects-birthday-gifts-cards-ck-hospice/

We are so fortunate to be blessed with beautiful flowers from Chatham-Kent florists delivered to Hospice for everyone to enjoy. This week we are entranced by this gorgeous arrangement from Mocha Violet in Ridgetown. Thank you! #FeelGoodFriday

On #ThankfulThursday, we wanted to share our gratitude with Leah. Leah recently turned 8 years old. For her birthday, she asked for donations to Hospice instead of gifts. Shown here is Leah (and trusty companion Biscuit) presenting $375 worth of gift cards to Beckie, one of our Hospice PSWs. This will go a long way in helping our Hospice families. What a generous gesture Leah, thank you! #ThankfulThursday

Are you experiencing grief for the loss of a loved one? This post explains how often we can experience grief in different stages - although how each one of us experiences it is as unique as we are. There is no "order" to these stages, nor will all of us experience each one.These stages are used to simply help us frame and identify what we may be feeling. If you or someone you care about is experiencing grief, this article could help. #WednesdayWisdom https://www.loveliveson.com/5-stages-of-grief/

Do you receive our paper newsletter? Would you prefer a electronic copy instead? It helps the environment and saves our postage costs. To sign up please email Alysson at astorey@chathamkenthospice.com or https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/sign-up-for-newsletter/ #TechTuesday

Have you registered for our Hike for Hospice CK yet? We would love to have a wonderful turnout to help support local families access compassionate end-of-life care at no cost to them. Register online today at www.hikeforhospiceck.com. Thank you for your support. Every step counts! #MondayMotivation #Hike4HospiceCK