It is nice to go back in time and remember what makes this day in history so important to us. This takes us back to the 18th century during the American Revolution, a political battle when the 13 colonies were fighting for their independence from Great Britain. Finally on the 4th of July, the declaration was signed that we were freed from Great Britain and could govern our country as we wished to do. Now that does not mean there were not struggles after our declaration on the 4th of July. As we all know there were many along the way, but it lifted weights and started movements that made our country the great place to live that it is today.
Now let’s fast forward to 2012. We live in a place where we can have days off of work, enjoy any food we like and watch fireworks in the distance (sometimes even up close!), but consider those who maybe are living in a country of freedom, but feel trapped. In hospice care, patients and families are struggling just as our forefathers did in the battle for our independence. They are struggling to relieve pain, be spiritually and emotionally at ease and have the best quality of life that they can. Do you see any history repeating itself here? This may seem like a stretch, but really when you evaluate the situation, patients and families may even get all of these controlled and still encounter unknowns and struggles.
The point I am trying to make is that with all that we encounter and with everything we do to fight for our freedom, it can’t be done alone and should not be taken for granted. Hospice is a special option which is here for patients and families everywhere to do just what John Adams and Thomas Jefferson did for our county, create a safe haven to help ensure freedom: a pain free-at ease-good quality of life for all. Please keep in mind as you enjoy your 4th of July (and all your other days of freedom) that everyone may not be feeling free. They may not get a day off like many of my fellow co-workers, not have family and friends to celebrate with or a place to enjoy the celebration. So when someone like this (or anyone) walks into your life, even for a second or forever, remember people in every profession and in every situation can take time to help someone feel some ounce of freedom, because as John Foppe’s described it “Help us help others, and you’ll help yourself. It goes full circle.” Be an advocate for freedom, because you and everyone around you deserve it!
Independence Day Fun Fact: “In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of teh United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.” (Wikipedia, 2012)Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.
Live well, laugh often, and love much,
Christine Juehne
Hospice of Southern Illinois
Community Education
1-800-233-1708
www.hospice.org
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