THE LESSONS OF GRIEF, LOVE, AND CONTINUANCE
by Ainsley’s Mom
You are reading this because you are part of the EDMARC family. As such, you know the love and compassion associated with being in this family. You don’t necessarily need to hear another story about how amazing EDMARC is and how the people within are some of the most compassionate and empathetic around. So, we wanted to provide a few thoughts to be shared with those families that recently learned or will learn that their child has been referred for hospice care.
You are likely terrified, confused, and uncertain, as we were in February 2015 when our sweet Ainsley was referred to hospice. You, like us, have preconceived ideas about what hospice care means and your friends and family are probably not sure of what this means for you and for your loved one’s future. Well, prepare to be relieved and feel a sense of security, as all of your preconceived notions are proven to be myths. From the moment we met with Nurse Theresa for the very first time, we felt instant relief to have EDMARC by our side for this next phase of Ainsley’s journey.
As we endured our weekly and monthly check-ups, Madelyn, Abbey and the entire staff became like family to us. We looked forward to their visits, not just because of the medical care they provided, but more so for their love and affection, as they genuinely cared about Ainsley’s well-being, and our family’s well-being. Together, we enjoyed countless comforting visits and loads of smiles, hugs, and downright enjoyable company. EDMARC helped us gain confidence that we were making the best decisions for Ainsley.
Two months before Ainsley’s passing in February, 2016, EDMARC brought Santa Claus to come visit her and our entire family. As we joined in lyrical glee, caroling together and as Santa sat closer to Ainsley, everyone was unified in the most uplifting of experiences. You must know that these people of hospice are not just nurses or caretakers; the ladies that came into our lives are saints, they are angels, they are our sisters who comforted us and loved us from day one.
They were the first ones to provide comfort on Ainsley’s final day and did so in the most professional way, yet with empathy. You don’t want to think about that day for your loved one, which is perfectly fine, as EDMARC will ensure you have all the resources to make the right choices for your child and for your family.
EDMARC’s love is a love that endures. The summer following Ainsley’s passing, our family was invited to Camp M.A.G.I.C. – a place where you learn that “My Active Grieving Instills Courage.” A lot of wonderful things occur at Camp M.A.G.I.C. We were truly humbled by the opportunity to be there amongst so many amazing people, to connect with others who are traveling a similar journey and to learn that we all grieve in our own ways, and we can do so forever.
Today, we find ourselves not with Ainsley in the physical, but we find ourselves with the courage to honor Ainsley, while knowing it is okay to make those decisions that allow us to be happy.
Thank you, EDMARC family, for your love, compassion, empathy, and patience along this journey, as we learn the way, together, piece by piece.