This post shares a story about tea served as a cup full of compassion.
In July, a beloved member of our family was hospitalized, then moved to hospice care. It was an emotionally and physically tense time all around.
The day she moved from the hospital to the hospice was especially stressful. For several days, we didn’t know when the hospital would transfer her or where she would be placed. Then, it was suddenly happening.
We left the hospital and arrived frazzled and heartsore at the free-standing hospice facility (Casey House in Montgomery County, Maryland). As the nursing staff settled in and cared for our relative, two wonderful volunteers and a table full of beautiful teacups and baked treats greeted us. The volunteers were holding teatime, and providing the chance to sit around the table, drink tea, and talk. They invited hospice visitors to join them.
I didn’t take any photos or our tea time: I was too immersed in the present and respecting the space and the moment. This opportunity was such a caring way to offer solidarity and companionship during this very difficult time. We were able to choose our teacup and our tea. Then, we were sipping from a cup full of compassion. The whole experience was very humanizing and a real balm to our tender and frayed hearts. Once again, I was reminded of the comforting power of tea. (I’ve previously written about how tea creates community.)
Days later, I took a photo of the sign letting visitors know when the volunteers offer tea there. I also took a photo of the beautiful water lilies (photo above) on the patio of the hospice.
I’m so grateful for the excellent care Casey House provided to our loved one and the caring way they dealt with our family and visitors. Providing excellent palliative care to the dying person, as well as kindness and support to family and friends are the hallmarks of hospice. Tea time there was a meaningful part of that experience that helped our family hold it together through our grief.
We all benefited from a cup full of compassion.
Nonprofit hospices like Casey House do incredibly important, skilled, and compassionate work. Should you like to learn how to support their work, you can learn more and/or donate to Casey House here.