Friday, October 25, 2024–10:20 a.m.
-News Release-
Loved ones of patients served by Heyman Hospice Care at Atrium Health Floyd gathered to celebrate their memories during a special ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rome.
Those present lighted candles and were asked to speak the names of those who passed away.
Heyman Hospice Care provides compassionate, comfort-oriented home care to patients with a life expectancy of less than six months, serving patients in Floyd, Chattooga, Polk, Bartow and Gordon counties. The program also provides grief support to help families who have experienced a loss.
Tommy Harris, a pastor from Kingston, was one of those who attended the service. His wife Patsy of 59 years passed away this past February.
“I had mixed emotions about coming because I have had a hard time dealing with her death,” said Harris. As a pastor, I know where she is, but it has been very difficult. I came to honor her memory, and also say thank you to Heyman Hospice because they were so good to us.
“They were there every time I needed them. I probably needed them even more than my wife needed them at the time because I was at a loss about what to do,” Harris said. “Although I had spiritual guidance from my church and family, the hospice nurses would remind me of where my faith should be.
“That helped me a great deal. When Patsy’s mobility became worse, I had to rely heavily on Stacey Mobbs, who was our caregiver. Once when Patsy went to sleep and I could not get her to wake up, I had to call on the weekend and the staff were very helpful and very kind to help ease my anxiety,” Harris said
“They also followed up after she passed, “ he added. “I was very grateful for that. When Hospice calls after all the friends and family leave, it really makes a difference.”
George Nix, chaplain for Heyman Hospice Care, encouraged those who were in attendance to continue to share the memory of their family members or friends with others.
“This generation and the next generation need to know about your loved one and what made them so special,” Nix said.
Visit https://www.floyd.org/medical-services/hospice/Pages/default.aspx to learn more about services Heyman Hospice Care provides.
