Thank you for all of the heartfelt responses to last week’s column. One thing that comes through loud and clear in all your comments is that things are better when we are well informed about the programs and services of importance to us and our loved ones. I always talk about the challenges of what I call “malinformation.” In other words, the presumptions we make based on the things we think we understand but in reality our perception is not only wrong but also unjustifiably negative. Hospice is a topic that traditionally fits within this category. The first response below clearly defines one of the reasons for being malinformed about things of great importance to us –fear. It is only when we educate ourselves about those things we fear as family caregivers will the system work at its best for us and our loved ones. By the way, I hope you saw the report last night by Bob Woodruff, the ABC anchorperson who was badly injured in Iraq last year. It was riveting.

Responses to last week’s article:

Again I write to thank you for a delightful article. I have worked with Hospice of the Rapidan for over 11 years now and what thrilled to see your article about hospice this month…Continued

I am touched that you wrote to well about your parents’ friends – you too will grieve their loss, and have been grieving the progressive illness too...Continued

I just wanted to express my gratitude to the Vitas organization in Houston. They were the Hospice responsible for my husband during his last days. They were kind, helpful and continued to care for me after his death...Continued

P.S. We are looking to talk with caregivers who are presently going through dramatic family changes that have impacted their working career. They would have to agree to tell their story on television. Email us if you are interested.