We have many beliefs at St. Anthony’s Hospice.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to die with dignity.
We believe the end of life is as precious and fragile as the beginning.
We believe death should be a peaceful experience.
We believe you should leave this world with no regrets.
Our Chaplains, Thomas Emerson and John Brumfiel, with Social Worker Christa Flamion embodied these beliefs to help one of our patients, Sidney “Sid” Stone. Sid’s beloved wife, Francis, passed away and he was unable to attend her funeral due to his declining health. Thomas, John, Christa, and a team of nurses helped ensure Sid would be safe and have everything he needs for an outing. The outing was a funeral service for Francis.
Social Worker, Christa Flamion, wrote:
“Sidney “Sid” Stone had been getting progressively ill and while he found himself hospitalized, his beloved Francis suddenly left this world. He was too ill to be present at her funeral just a couple of weeks before he was admitted to Saint Anthony’s Hospice’s Lucy Smith King Care Center (LSKCC). Sid proudly served in the Army in Vietnam and known well when he returned home and served throughout his community in Morganfield, KY. To know him is to love him as he was a reflection of a man of strong, honorable character. During conversations with staff at LSKCC we came to know him and he openly spoke of the love of his life, his Francis, and the evident void she has left behind. Therefore, in a collaborated effort through nurses, chaplains, and a social worker were able to give an opportunity for Sidney to be transported to Odd Fellows Cemetery in Morganfield, KY for the first time since Francis was laid to rest. Sid spoke numerous kind words of gratitude and thanks for allowing him the opportunity to visit Francis’ grave. However, the privilege was more for St. Anthony’s staff to have an opportunity to give witness to a real-life testimony emulating a story of loyalty and love such as found in the book of Ruth.
But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God (Ruth 1:16).
Those very biblical words echoed through Sidney’s heart as he struggled to say this verse once more at the grave of chosen love Francis Stone just as he said on their wedding day. One might say Sidney’s love story appears no different to other’s before him that had spent a lifetime with a spouse. Still this is a significant and unique story all the same as this love story was set apart and chosen by God’s grace and just for him. As evident today as he continues in waiting until they are reunited together again.”
If you or a loved one is in need of hospice or palliative care, please call us at (270) 826-2326.
