Meet the staff
Shirley Gray
Counselor
When people are dying, when people are grieving we show up. We pay attention to whatever the need is, And we try to do something about it. We have an uncommon comfort level with death and dying, With grief and loss. And sometimes that comfort level is communicable.
In my work with people who are grieving, they tell me, "I am grateful for being heard." I know what helped me when Nick died was to be told over and over that I didn't have to do it right, that whatever I was feeling, whatever I was doing was right. I didn't know I needed it until it was given. And I needed the ongoing acknowledgement Of my loss. Sometimes people would avoid this, As if saying they're sorry for my loss would remind me that my son died.
At Hospice, we don't avoid; we sit with people as they face their end, As they face their loss.
Nancy Jean Keeler
Circle of Care Coordinator
Hospice work has been a long journey for Nancy Jean, beginning with being a caregiver for her father and then her father-in-law. When she moved to So Hum she got trained as a volunteer at Hospice of Humboldt, and volunteered many hours with Hospice patients as Heart of the Redwoods Community Hospice got its start. Her dedication to Hospice work gradually became clear to her. She worked with one patient for five years, ending with a two month period where she stayed in town to be with her all day every day. "I realized then how meaningful this work was to me," From her 19 years of Hospice experience, Nancy Jean says:
"The mission of Hospice is—community. Just community".
Hospice work is the most amazing thing I've ever done, except for having kids. It is an honor to get to know so many people, so many different people, to travel with them a ways on their path. People tell you stories, share their paths with you. Such an honor to be with these amazing people in this amazingly beautiful place, with all its beautiful creeks and ridges.
By the time I die I want every neighborhood trained in working with people who are dying. Trained by acting and doing. That will be my legacy.
We see the circle of care move in when it is needed. People need someone to show the way, and to give permission. There is always mystery, but it doesn't have to be fearful.
Jennifer Waters
Jill Girard
RN backup
Patte Rae
LVN patient care
