[Dialogue] Virginia Pierce Update

[Janice Ulangca]

Thank you, Beret.  I did not know Virginia well, but remember seeing her as such an inspiring, vibrant person.  It seems she retains that spirit with the energy that remains.  I was moved by Lewie's report on the "reflective conversation" that they had - a process gift perhaps from their ICA heritage - and the wonderful Dag Hammarskjold quote.  Blessings and peace on the family.  How grace-full our colleagues are as they approach earthly journey's end. Who knows how many have been enriched by the ripples of Virginia's life and work.
Janice Ulangca
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Beret Griffith 
  To: Dialogue at wedgeblade.net ; OE at wedgeblade.net 
  Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 7:22 AM
  Subject: [Dialogue] Virginia Pierce Update


  Dear colleagues,
  Here is an update on Virginia from Lewie Pierce. Your communications and expressions of care and concern are much appreciated. 
  Beret
  _______________________________________________________________________________

  From: "Lewis Pierce DDS" <lpiercedds at comcast.net>
  To:   "Beret Griffith" <beretgriffith at charter.net>,
          "Ron Griffith" rgriffith at charter.net
          Subject: Virginia's health, etc.
  Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2008 17:10:10 -0600

  Hello Everyone,
  Yesterday we had the first Hospice Family Care Conference. This is a team from HealthEast, our hospital program. The team included the head care nurse, a social worker, a Chaplin, a bereavement specialist, our oncologist, Brian, Mary, John, Karen, Cindy, and myself. First the team gave an overview of the services hospice offers to the patient and all family members. Then Dr. Mulvey did an examination while the team and the kids went to another room to talk. Her vital signs are good. However, she has more pain, which the hospice team is managing it well. She sleeps most of the day, and is now upstairs in the bedroom all of the time. Her food and water intake have decreased and her energy level has decreased significantly. 
  As much as she would love to see and talk with people, with the small amount of energy remaining, she is intentional about talking and being with children and grandchildren at this point in time. Just to have them in the same room holding hands generates love and connectedness, which we have encouraged so much. 
  This morning Virginia and I had a reflective conversation on the family conference yesterday. We both came to the conclusion that Brian, John, Cindy, and their spouses have already taken responsibility for themselves and their children relative to Virginia's dying. Even though there will be great sadness, they will go on living their lives. That's wonderful! And it gave us both peace of mind and comfort, which we shared, in rehearsing again the beautiful family we have, and that our lives will live on in them.
  In summary I would like to share a piece of poetry form Dag Hammarskjöld from his book, "Markings"
  "You dare to say Yes--and experience a meaning.
  You repeat the Yes--and all things acquire a meaning.
  When everything has a meaning, how can you live anything but a Yes".
  Peace,
  Lewie 



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