I can’t thank you and all the angels at Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions enough for your compassionate care during this very difficult time with my Dad, Dave. Because of the wonderful respite—his “hospice hotel”—he was not afraid to enter hospice at the end of his life.

On Tuesday, when he was in a lot of pain, I was so grateful the hospice home was available a couple of days early. He was transported by ambulance, and your team quickly worked to make him comfortable. By 7 PM, he was resting peacefully in a bed for the first time in years. His face was relaxed, he was breathing easily with a nasal cannula, and his legs were finally still.

He wasn’t able to swallow easily, so I was touched when his nurse called on Wednesday and asked if we wanted to bring in a bottle of wine, knowing how much he enjoyed a glass in the evenings. She explained it could be used for mouth care, and his CNA later shared that he enjoyed it. That small kindness meant the world.

I’m so glad you were able to know him as I did, not just at the very end of his life.

With palliative care, Dad could relax in a recliner with his legs elevated, which reduced his edema and gave him some relief. I called it the “hospice bounce.” After his first game of dominoes during his respite stay, I saw how well he was doing. He even asked if maybe the doctors were wrong about his timeline. I told him he wouldn’t be the first person “kicked out” of hospice!

Thank you as well for supporting me through this. This was one of the most difficult times of my life. I was exhausted, and your listening, care, and respite gave me strength. As a dear friend reminded me, compassion fatigue and burnout are very real.

With deep gratitude,

Dave’s Family