In Honor of Teresa Carol Kennedy
A Memory-
It was Teresa’s first visit to the Palliative Care Unit at Harris Methodist. She was in so much pain, and this visit was to help her get a handle on the pain, and help control it. The first night I stayed with her, she wanted to shower. We tried that, but it was a frightening experience as it was hard for her to stand, and even more challenging to maneuver a shower chair. The second night, her compassionate nurse Jennifer asked if we were familiar with the bathing room. She took both of us over to see it, and Terri said “sure, I am game…let’s try it”. The bathing room in the Palliative Unit at Harris is quite a jewel for those suffering and in pain. It is a respite. The nursing staff assists the patient prepare for their bathing experience with dignity and draping, they help the patient recline on a lift, the lift is raised and the jetted tub rises to submerge the patient. The raised tub allows good ergonomics for those assisting with the bath.
Once Teresa was submerged in bubbles, she said “Wow, now what do I do?” The staff chuckled and told her to relax and enjoy her bath. She quipped back, “All we need are some candles and some music.” Jennifer went and got her i-pod and tiny speakers and set it up for Terri. She enjoyed it, but when Jennifer left the room Teresa said flatly, “This place really needs a sound system.”
That event inspires this event:
A Memoriam in the name of Teresa Carol Kennedy has been set up at Texas Health Harris Methodist Foundation to fund a sound system in their bathing room.
Contact is Laura McWhorter, at 817-317-5235. lauramcwhorter@texashealth.org
Donations may be made to: Texas Health Harris Methodist Foundation
6100 Western Place
Suite 1001
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Indicate that the donation is to benefit the Teresa Carol Kennedy Memoriam-the sound system in the bathing Unit at the Palliative Unit in Fort Worth.
Online donations may be made at:
http://www.texashealth.org/giving
Select the support us button, find the dialogue box labeled:
Designate my gift to the following fund or project: Indicate the Palliative Bathing Room Sound System (Fort Worth)
Find the dialogue box labeled: In memory of : Indicate Teresa Carol Kennedy
Thank You, Teresa will be honored.
3 comments:
Dear Lin,
I was saddened to hear of your sister's passing but joyful in the knowledge that she is finally free of her pain. I'm sure she is spending the day fishing with God in one of His heavenly lakes.
I'm glad you were able to spend so much time with her these last few months. It was the best gift you could have given to each other, and those memories will carry you through the sad times ahead.
Thank you for letting me know about Teresa's Memoriam. What an uplifting way to remember her! It will be an honor and my privilege to participate.
You are a cherished friend and will be in my prayers . . .
Ellen Timberlake-Volz
Oh Lin... How heavy my heart is for you as I know you two had such a sweet bond. But I know as well, you are rejoicing that she is free of her pain at last.
Thank you for sharing about the Memoriam! This is such a wonderful way to bring a respite to others in their pain, as well as as a lasting memorial for your sister.
And how wonderful that both of you shared a passion for bubbles!
Plesae know you and your dear family are in my prayers....
As always, Patti White
What a wonderful way to honor your sister. I love this and would be honored to participate. I love you and am here for anything you need.
Carla
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