Strength of a Family
As told by a daughter
If I’m honest with myself, I knew Dad was dying at Sunday by the Sea. I was very conscious of hanging on his every word and staying by his side in his new wheelchair. Dad was so happy to be surrounded and so adored by the Trinity Hospice staff, as a longtime donor and with Mom on the board for a decade. It always feels like family.
About a week later, our feelings were confirmed by Dad’s advanced cancer diagnosis. As much as the Providence staff wanted to care for him in the hospital, we all knew he wanted to be home. From the minute we understood what lay ahead of us, the Trinity staff was all around us with support, understanding, and significant compassion.
We started with in-home care, but quickly realized he was beyond that stage. Sharon Moon arrived not a moment too soon, commanding the situation from chaotic to calm in an instant.
Once she made Dad comfortable, she turned her attention to the family and even the dog, who was trying to understand why she couldn’t sit next to Dad.
Dr. Komatsu was next, explaining with great care what would happen to Dad both physically and mentally. We listened with rapt attention, especially our then-13-year-old daughter, who was finding the words to say goodbye to her beloved Poppi. He went on to suggest we take the same exceptional care we were giving Dad to each other to heal our grief.
Our nurse was the conductor of this symphony. Always bringing the focus back to our love for Dad, while reminding the family that this moment is a gift. We all knew it was a privilege to be on this part of Dad’s journey because of the way Trinity
was taking care of him.
Our last hours with Dad were spent together, precisely as he would have wished and only possible with the skilled and loving care from Trinity. Mom and Dad held hands until the very end, just as they always did. We celebrated his 92 years, his love for Mom, his kids, and grandkids. Every time I look back, there are no regrets—only blessings—and we remain forever grateful.