Our Stories - Life is Precious

Kindness in a Fresh Coat of Paint

Feb, 2016

At Hospice at Home, our goal is to help people be able to spend their remaining days where they are most comfortable. For one man, staying in his home was particularly meaningful to him.

This man prided himself on the home he built for his family so many years ago, and wanted nothing more than to be able to stay in it throughout his care. When his hospice team arrived for a routine visit one afternoon, they found the man outside, seated in his wheelchair, chiseling old pain off of the side of the house. The team was puzzled, and asked him why he was doing this. He then informed them that the city gave him notice that the house would need to be painted, or heavy fines would result. The man knew that fines from the city would prevent him from being able to keep his home, but he had no one to help maintain his home, so he was trying his best to do the work himself.

Wanting to help, the hospice team began looking for volunteers to paint the man's home and help relieve this burden. As calls and connections were made to try and find volunteers, the man's neighbor learned of his plight and happily donated enough paint to complete the job. Soon afterward, a volunteer named Josh Gardner came forward to offer his assistance. Josh was enthusiastic and willing to help, and began working on the house right away. In total, it took him three days to pressure wash and paint the house.

When asked why he wanted to help, Josh simply said, "I couldn't believe he was going to get a fine for needing to paint his house. He needed help, and I was happy to do it."

Josh provided help without expecting any reward, other than the satisfaction of helping someone in need. Now the man is able to stay in his home without worry, and can once again enjoy the home he built, made anew with a fresh coat of paint.

The generous spirit of those who donate their time and resources to Hospice at Home helps make moments like this possible. Thank you for all that you do for those we care for.