Celebrating the Seasons of Life
By Sherry Little, Denton and Texoma LIVING WELL Magazines
Nature is evidence of cycles of life. No one season is more important than another. It’s that way with people too. We have seasons of our lives and each is relevant.
End of life can be meaningful – even beautiful. At Home Hospice of Grayson, Fannin and Cooke Counties, we believe that remembering, reflecting and celebrating life are important. While we are recognized for the care we provide patients during their final journey, we understand that support for families is also imperative. That’s why we continually develop programs and practices that help families and engage the community. Our most recent endeavor, established in conjunction with our 30-year anniversary, is the Trees of Honor program. It offers all of us the opportunity to purchase a tree in honor of, or in memory of, someone special.
It’s an engaging way to recognize someone, help the environment and support Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin Counties, which is a nonprofit organization. The tree grows through each season, establishing an earthly presence that offers shade, a home for birds, beautiful leaves, maybe even a limb from which to hang a swing. The tree represents much of what we admire in people – purpose, strength, presence.
Home Hospice board members in all three counties are working with local officials to determine where groves of trees would be most beneficial. You can have your tree planted in one of these groves, or, if you wish, you may take your tree home and plant it. Small trees are available for a donation of $30 to Home Hospice. Larger trees are available for a donation of $300. A limited number of larger trees will be placed on the Home Hospice grounds for a donation of $1,500 each. The opportunity is available throughout the summer.
Celebrations are our way of marking all the wonderful milestones of life. You are invited to honor someone you love on a designated day in the fall, when trees will be planted in the groves during a meaningful celebration. Honoring those who make a difference in our life has value for them, and for us. It feels good to be thanked and to thank.
Just as we celebrate the seasons of nature, we invite you to celebrate the seasons of life by participating in the Trees of Honor program.
Author Sherry Little is executive director at Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin Counties.
DENTON For more information, call 940-665-9891.
TEXOMA For more information, call 903-868-9315.
