When I worked in health care, Hospice was one of the few organizations that was dependably reliable, professional, empathetic, and clinically superb. I truly believe that the nurses and staff are gifted in supporting the terminally ill, navigating impending death with minimal physical pain through medication and pastoral counseling to the patient, friends, and family.
Extensive Hospice services are unique to the USA. As a person with a Master's Degree that focused on Health Care Administration, studying the various archetypes for health care delivery, I can tell you that being terminally ill in any other country is not nearly as comfortable. My own professor who ran Johns Hopkins Hospital many, many years ago, studied in London and assured me that socialized health care lacks many things. I have to agree that when one is well, all is well, but when the body is in irreversible decline, having time to address death amongst the huddle of loved ones, at a pace set by oneself, in a home setting, is a privilege that we take for granted here. Kudos to Hospice workers who spend their careers fortifying others until their spirit passes on.
Which brings me to Hospice of the Chesapeake. Because of generous donations and an unparalleled level of excellence, HOC has completed a new, beautiful, facility in Severna Park, MD. The building is refreshingly unclinical, suggesting a Midwestern lake house in architecture, if not a lovely custom home.
Hospice Cup is HOC's biggest annual fundraiser and makes patient centered end of life care at that facility possible. This year, The Hospice Cup Shore Party/Auction on September 17th, will feature two works that I was asked to donate for the event. I'm posting this because "Regatta Blue/Red" and "Regatta Blue/Orange" got lots of attention in the two shows they were in and I'm hoping that interested parties will consider buying tickets to the Shore Party and bidding on them (see photos on my "paintings" page). Both pieces are matted and framed in contemporary matte black frames. I will be there to meet whomever goes home with my two donated works.
Please consider purchasing tickets and attending this year's benefit. It's a great cause because at some point in life, everyone unfortunately becomes familiar with Hospice services. Why not get familiar with what they do now, while you are well? It's an opportunity to offer support for those who live for the dying.
Signing off for now...but stay tuned for a big fat canvas full of fun for the University of Maryland, College Park Art Gallery show. That's my alma matter, so I would like to get juried into that annual show at least once before I die (at Hospice).
One more thing...we're getting freezing precip and 60 mph winds tonight, so if you'd say a quick prayer for my chickens, they'd appreciate it. I keep thinking at any moment the chicken coop (see it on Houzz if you're curious) is going to be swept up and relocated to Oz...