Larry Smith’s One Rule
Larry Smith has one rule in life. He does not give up. Every time he checks one item off his bucket list, he adds another. Larry was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer seven years ago. His pancreas was removed, which…
Stories Resonate When We Need Them Most
“In times of difficulty, we tell the stories again. If there’s a crisis, we tell the stories. It’s a human need; it strengthens our souls." So begins a nuanced discussion about listening and sharing – for patient and care giver…
Failure, Phys Ed and Faith – Finding Life Lessons with R.C. West
When Richard C. West earned five failing grades and one “A” his sophomore year in high school, his life was changed forever. His only “A” was in Physical Education. A coach took him under his wing and Richard became, in…
Celebrating Life Stories: Betsy Stavnitski
Anyone who asks Betsy Stavnitski if she “used to be a nurse” will receive a quick response. “I am a nurse,” Betsy says proudly. Retired or not, Betsy will always be a perfect example of what a nurse should be…
The Sisters Who Saved Remembrance Walk
These are the sisters who saved our Remembrance Walk. They did it for Connie. Connie Puderbaugh passed away in the care of Hospice of Dayton in 2003. Her sisters Donna, Susie and Rita started walking in the formerly-titled “Hospice Hustle”…
Female Vet Enjoys Honor Flight
by Sharon Metcalf, MSW, LSW, Manager of Social Workers I was blessed to act as Guardian for one of our Hospice of Dayton patients, Ella Simpkins, on a Dayton Honor Flight. The Honor Flight’s mission is to take Veterans of WWII,…
Gardener Shares Love of Nature
When she was 18 years old, Miriam Wolf fell in love – with a yellow pepper plant. It started her on a path that led to Hospice of Dayton. Miriam graduated with an Associate degree in horticulture from Clark State…
Of B-17s and Blue Skies and Bucket Lists
"She was a Stradivarius of an airplane..." Colonel Robert Morgan, pilot of the Memphis Belle The “Stradivarius” referred to is the Boeing B-17. The Colonel is not the only admirer of the…
My Wonderful Life
By Paul M. Minter In 1937 I was ten years old, Mother and Father decided they would separate and by doing so they would leave me with my Great-Grandmother who lived in the hills of Kentucky. Moving from the city…
A Healing Partnership
By: Vickie Kapnas, Hospice of Dayton Volunteer She enters a room quietly, gently, feeling no need to announce her presence. While she takes her new job very seriously, she seems happily unaware of the level of comfort and encouragement she…
