Local Volunteer and Writer Seeks to Spread the Truth About Hospice
Anne Osmer Reporting
Detroiter Frances Shani Parker didn’t plan on becoming a hospice volunteer, but despite a self-described “lack of interest in the medical field,” that’s what ended up happening.
Parker’s work as Cass Corridor school principal kept her more than busy when a friend, Jake, became sick with AIDS more than ten years ago. Parker helped shepherd her friend from life into death, aiding with his direct care and assisting his sister with the details of dying that, Parker reminds us, so many of us ignore until it’s too late.
She then found herself in another, similar situation, helping another person to die.
“I was wondering why people were coming into my life like this,” said Parker.
Read entire article here.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
"Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog"
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CAREGIVERS STORE
Those who companion suffering daily, such as hospice nurses and volunteers, will surely appreciate this beautiful work. With 62 original art collages by Rashani Réa, five beautiful chapters by Kathy Douglas, and a foreword by Jean Watson, this exquisite book is a peaceful refuge for contemplation, inquiry, reflection and inspiration for those who traverse the joys and sorrows of nursing.
Kathy Douglas, RN, MPH-HA is a nationally recognized nurse leader, filmmaker and entrepreneur.
Rashani Réa is a prolific artist and musician, a creatrice of sanctuaries and a respected spiritual mentor.
“This is a beloved book and beyond a book. It is an evocative, poetic, ecstatic, and inspirited sacred, experiential calling. A calling to you--YES, YOU.”
— Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Living Legend (AAN)
“Those who companion suffering daily need to turn inward to metabolize what they have witnessed. This exquisite book, filled with beautiful images and poetic wise words, is the inspiration and support needed to grow a wise heart.”
— Frank Ostaseski, founder and director of the Metta Institute and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully
“In this unique time of the COVID-19 pandemic, this book should be considered a tribute to the tremendous courage being displayed by nurses around the world. There is much wisdom conveyed throughout by those who have been there serving others with such grace.”
— Greg Schneider President, HVA, co-author of The Changing Face of Hospice Volunteering in Hospice and Palliative Care
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