And no, we don’t mean knocking out bucket lists…
When people hear the word “hospice,” many think of the very end—of crisis, decline, and goodbyes. But at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, we’ve seen a very different reality unfold for patients who choose hospice care early. They not only gain access to more comfort and support, but they also get something profoundly meaningful: the chance to set goals and work toward them.
Now, these goals aren’t usually skydiving or climbing a mountain. They’re often simpler but far more powerful. Things like enjoying one last holiday surrounded by family, reconnecting with an estranged friend, or leaving something special behind for a grandchild. When hospice care begins before a crisis, there’s room for peace, intention, and joy.
For example, one of our patients in 2023. She had a close bond with her caregiver and confided in her about a wish that weighed heavily on her heart. She simply wanted to enjoy a nice evening out with her five sisters, one last time.
That single wish sparked a wave of action. Our team—Social Work Supervisor, Director of Philanthropy, and other staff—rallied to make it happen. They reserved a private table at Fiction @ J. Bookwalter, arranged transportation through TC Black, scheduled hair and makeup sessions for all six women, and even helped them find gowns for the evening.
It wasn’t just a dinner—it was a day of pampering, laughter, and connection. That evening, they shared a fabulous meal, told stories, and giggled like they had in their younger years. They created a memory they could all carry, even as time moved on.
That one wish inspired the creation of our Patient Wish Fund—a resource that our care teams can now access to make similar moments possible for other patients. Sometimes it’s something as simple as a favorite childhood book series or the soundtrack of their youth. These aren’t bucket list items—they’re soul-nourishing gestures that remind our patients they are seen, heard, and valued.
But none of this would be possible without time. When patients and families reach out to hospice earlier, we have the chance to build trust, to listen, and to learn what really matters to them. We become part of their lives—not just caregivers, but partners in honoring what remains.
Hospice isn’t just about dying. It’s about living as fully as possible, for as long as possible, with dignity, comfort, and even celebration. And sometimes, it’s about a dinner out with your sisters in gowns and lipstick, laughing over wine, and holding hands as the sun sets.
Because those are the moments that matter most.
*A heartfelt thank you to the community partners that made the 2023 Ladies Night Out possible: TC Black, Fiction @ J. Bookwalter, Breshears Photography, Katey Nivens