Father’s Day was just here. I did not get to spend it with my father. I wished I could have. My father died on Oct. 30 of last year. I miss him dearly, as does everyone in our family, especially Mom, his wife of nearly 68 years. His friends miss him, too. Nevertheless, I cannot bring him back. I am thankful for all that he taught me and did for me, especially in his final weeks and months on this earth. I thank him today for allowing High Peaks Hospice to go into their home, an adequate one-bedroom apartment at DeChantel in Saranac Lake.

Hospice was a godsend for our family, particularly for Mom and me. I cannot thank them enough — all the nurses, the social worker, the chaplain, the volunteers, the people who answered the phone — all of them! My only regret is that we did not contact High Peaks Hospice sooner. I wished we had. I will not make that mistake again.

The very day that Hospice received our referral for services, a hospital bed and a bedside commode were on order and arrived the next day! A few days later, a nurse realized that Dad could use a transfer bench to get into and out of the bathtub and that he might need oxygen at any time. I, too, recognized Dad could use an adjustable bedside table like ones found in nearly all hospital rooms. These items were ordered by Hospice, and they, too, arrived with a day or two. Not only did Hospice provide equipment and furniture; they also provided much-needed supplies such as bed pads, medicinal ointments, soap, wash bins, and the list goes on. Of course, Hospice could not have possibly provided everything that Dad needed, but what they did provide was beyond our wildest expectations. It was so nice just having these items — it made caring for Dad much easier for everyone concerned, including Dad!

Hospice staff took care of making sure that all of Dad’s medications were ready. When a refill was needed, they took care of it so all I had to do was pick it up from the pharmacy. More importantly, they were able to get Dad the proper pain medication to lessen his pain and suffering, which was so critical. Dad had several good weeks while receiving care from Hospice, which we, his family, are eternal grateful for. I shudder to think what those weeks would have been like without Hospice. I am so extremely glad that they were there.

Hospice nurses taught me how best to take care of Dad and assured me that I was doing a good job — I needed to hear their words of encouragement just as much as Dad needed to hear our voices and feel our touch. There were times when I had to call Hospice for help. No matter what time of day or night, weekday or weekend, holiday or not Hospice was there for me and Dad. When I had to leave a message, I left it with a real, live person who was local and not in some faraway location. And then the nurse or whomever I needed promptly returned my phone call within minutes, not days or even hours! I do not recall having this sort of courteous professional service from my own doctors’ offices or hospitals. Ever. Hospice was there for Mom and me, too. Each time they came to see Dad, they took time to speak with us. They genuinely wanted to know how we were doing, how they could support us, what we needed during this chapter of Dad’s life. They came to talk to all of us.

On the last day of Dad’s life, friends and family had gathered around him, talking and laughing. Although Dad did not overtly respond, we all knew that he could hear us. He knew that he was loved. He knew that we would all take care of Mom and each other. After nearly all had left for the evening, Dad peacefully passed away. Time to call Hospice. They came. They contacted the funeral home. Because of Hospice, the police did not need to come. There was no need for an autopsy. I contacted the priest (Fr. Andy), family members and friends. A few local people came and waited with us for the Hospice nurse to do her work, for the priest to pray with us, for the funeral home to depart with Dad in tow. Yes, it was a difficult time. Hospice lessened our pain by their generous caring and warm professionalism. Kudos also to Fortune-Keough Funeral Home for there professionalism and gentle, caring manner.

As you reflect on your Father’s Day celebration and all the celebrations yet to come, please consider Hospice and the wonderful supportive services they can provide you, your family, a loved one, a neighbor. Please do not wait too long like I did. As I wrote, I will not make that mistake again.

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Susan Steen lives in Saranac Lake.