Everyone can afford this gift
A true gift … the gift of time
It seems so simple, the gift of “time.” Everyone can afford this gift and most people see the gift of time as a positive one that is not likely to be returned. No matter what your age, gender, religious beliefs or where you come from, everyone can give or receive this gift.
A gift of time signifies both the value you place on the person or organization receiving the gift and it validates the importance of you; personally, as a gift-giver. At Hospice of North Idaho, the brightest gift of all is the gift of time. This can be time to renew a friendship long forgotten, heal family wounds that never seem to mend properly and time to check through that bucket list that is written down on the back of your year 2000 tax return. It is time to feel and to process the wonder of “time.”
A son of a patient at the Schneidmiller House recently said to me, “It would just be so much better if we knew exactly how much time my Mom had left.” I asked what he would do differently if he knew. Without hesitation he exclaimed, “I would spend more time with her.” We see this so often at Hospice, people not taking the time to talk about hard topics until the last few days or waiting until next holiday season or next summer visit to “get Mom’s affairs in order.” It’s that four-letter word … time.
Nationally, people receive hospice care for about 90 days during their end of life journey. In our local area, however, that time has been reduced to only 40 days. Time spent in hospice care allows each person to seek out friends and family members, find their bucket list and make sure there is one more cast with their favorite fly rod on the Coeur d’Alene River (in that secret spot). Forty days is not a lot of time to check anything off that list. The difference of giving yourself 90 days with hospice is about the education received during the end of life journey; and yes, “time.” You will have time to have those discussions, understand priorities and discuss those wishes with family and friends. Call us, we have time to help you through this.
In our community we are generous with our treasures, talents and our time. Idaho ranks third in the nation in hours spent volunteering time to non-profit organizations, like Hospice of North Idaho. It seems to be part of our DNA, no matter if you are a fourth generation Idahoan or if you moved here last year. It must be the crisp water and the clean air. In Idaho, we place a strong value on “time.”
As we enter a new and very busy holiday season and because November is Hospice & Palliative Care month, ask yourself how your time is best spent; ringing a bell for the Red Kettles, having coffee with your brother and healing that wound, decorating a tree for a house-bound elderly woman, sponsoring a family, adding to the coffers of Christmas For All, volunteering at a thrift store, or sharing your bucket list with your kids and grandkids.
In the opening words to Jim Croce’s 1972 song, “Time in a Bottle” he wishes, “If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I’d like to do, is save everyday ‘til eternity passes away just to spend it with you.” Unfortunately, we haven’t figured out how to save time in a bottle … but we can spend time now, in a mindful way. Everyone can give the gift of time, it is valuable to so many, and it provides life affirming value to those who give and those who receive. Call your brother.
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Kim R. Ransier is executive director of Hospice of North Idaho. Email: ransierk@honi.org