By Mike Dent, Board Member at Foothills Compassionate Care
When I reflect on my family’s journey, I realize that the role of Hospice of the Foothills (HOF) has been deeply intertwined in our lives. They were there for us not once but twice as we navigated two of life’s most challenging experiences—the passing of my father in 2011 and, just recently, my mother in 2023.
This is a story not just about loss but about love, resilience, and the immeasurable impact of compassionate care.
A Life Together: George and Mary’s Journey
My parents, George and Mary, shared their lives for over 47 beautiful years. Together, they built a home on a mountaintop, where magical sunrises and sunsets colored their days. They raised four children with strong values, enjoyed the company of nine grandchildren, and lived a simple yet fulfilling life full of love, support, and adventure. My mother ran a tight ship while Dad worked hard to provide, often giving back to her community through her church and local events.
But life’s chapters inevitably lead to goodbyes, and in 2011, my father’s health began to decline.
George’s Final Days: Our First Encounter with Hospice of the Foothills
Dad was a giant of a man—6’3”, 250 pounds, with hands the size of dinner plates and a heart even bigger. After working 31 years for the Bureau of Reclamation as a surveyor, his body began to slow as he reached his late 70s. Congestive heart failure took hold, and by Christmas of 2010, he was given a terminal diagnosis. He wanted one thing: to die at home, on the mountain he loved.
This is where Hospice of the Foothills first came into our lives. We were handed a small book at Dad’s intake called Gone From My Sight by Barbara Karnes, a guide that helped us, as a family, to understand and embrace the dying process with love and dignity. The Care Team didn’t just care for my father—they cared for all of us. From managing his symptoms and pain to providing oxygen, a hospital bed, and wound care, their guidance was a lifeline as we navigated this uncharted territory.
In February 2011, in the middle of a snowstorm, my father passed away at home, with my mother by his side.
Mary’s Journey: A Love for Life Until the Very End
Fast forward 12 years, and it was my mother’s turn. She had met Dad shortly after college when she came to California to teach English. They married, built their life on the same mountaintop, and raised their children with the values that shaped us all. After my father’s passing, she stayed active in the community and was affectionately called “The Queen of the Hill” by her neighbors.
We always knew Hospice of the Foothills would be part of her final chapter, as it was with Dad. Mom had the same wish—she wanted to stay in her home as long as possible. In early December 2023, just two days after her 81st birthday, a neighbor found her unable to stand. A trip to the ER confirmed her kidneys were failing, and her time was short.
True to her nature, she didn’t want any extraordinary measures. “I’ve had a great life,” she would say. We knew what was coming, and so did she. When asked by the admitting doctor, she calmly responded, “I guess I’m dying now.”
A Community of Care: Hospice Steps In Again
Once again, Hospice of the Foothills came through for our family. Though we were outside the normal service area, and though Mom’s prognosis was only days, not weeks or months, the team didn’t hesitate for a moment. Within 24 hours, Mom was transferred to a bed in Grass Valley, surrounded by her children, neighbors, and church community.
The logistics were complex, but from the referral to the intake, the Care Team handled everything with care and precision. Whether Carmen arranged the move or Dr. Kronland adjusted Mom’s medication late on a Saturday night, they were there for us every step of the way. And just like with Dad, we were handed another copy of Gone From My Sight as we prepared ourselves for Mom’s final days.
Two Lives, One Constant: The Care of Hospice of the Foothills
Twelve years apart, both of my parents passed under the compassionate care of Hospice of the Foothills. Two different timelines, yet one constant remained: the unwavering love, support, and guidance of the hospice team during our family’s greatest moments of need.
They weren’t just there to care for my parents; they were there for all of us, ensuring that we embraced the end of life with dignity, comfort, and peace. And for that, I will always be deeply grateful. Hospice of the Foothills is not just a service—it is a lifeline for families, offering guidance and compassionate care when it is needed most.
To learn more about all the services of Foothills Compassionate Care, click here.