Share the Love


Three years ago the Hospice Auxiliary put on an event called "Share the Love" with all the proceeds going to the Serenity House.  It's such a fun night!  They have a meal, silent auction and entertainment - two of those years was dueling pianos.  We've hosted a table and attended every year.  Since TJ spent the last six weeks of his life in the Serenity House, this event has become very special to Jon and me.  This year was a little extra special - they asked us to speak.  We were honored to be asked and jumped on the opportunity to tell others how special this place is.

 So, on this the 8th anniversary of when we first arrived at the Serenity House (and the 6th year anniversary of my father-in-law's arrival) - I thought I'd share with you the speech I gave that night.
"How do you put into words what the Serenity House means to my family and me?  It was a place I had hoped we would never have to use - ever!  However, in our darkest time, it was more than a beautiful, functional amazing house - it became our home away from home.  On March 19, 2012 we walked into the serenity house for the first time. I was completely terrified what this next journey for our family was going to be like. Over the next six weeks we would build relationships with volunteers, aids, nurses and doctors.  During that time all of these people learned, loved and took such great care of our son.  Yet at the same time, they did the same for Jon, myself and our three young boys.  Everyone helped to make our stay be the best it could be considering the circumstances.  I have countless memories of pranks we would play on the nurses and aids, meals brought into the house so we could eat together as a family, the many visitors, and the long chats, laughter and tears shared with the doctors and nurses.  I remember the staff getting our room ready for a big slumber party.  And them helping us prepare the last Easter we would spend all together as a family.  The list goes on and on.   But one memory we will never forget - Nurse Nancy explaining to Jon and I that we were a young couple and if we needed some “alone time” to just put a towel on the outside of the door and you won’t be bothered!  That was when I knew we were more than acquaintances - we had become family.  It’s been almost 8 years since we left the Serenity House, yet every time we walk through those doors - it feels like we are home again.  Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough when I think about all the things the staff, volunteers and others did for our son and our family.  We will always cherish our time we spent there and will forever be grateful to all of those who loved and cared not only for our son but also our entire family (all 37) – it will never be forgotten.  This house and all the people in it will forever hold a special place in our hearts.  So, I guess you could say this house is more than just a beautiful facility for those preparing to leave this world - it is a place where everyone is cared for, loved and treated like family - it’s home."    









The friends who have joined us at our table over the last three years.
                                               

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  1. John GraceJuly 3, 2022 at 3:57 PM

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