This month we decided to revisit old letters and testimonials given to us by previous clients and community partners. This trip down memory lane has served as a reminder why we do what we do as nurses. Today, in our ever changing environment, it is important to remind ourselves of what it means to be a nurse and caretaker. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful clients, and we look forward to serving the community for years to come.

Letter from Lesley to Shelley (Aspen Care’s Director):

I first met Shelley in April 2010 when she was assigned to me as my palliative care worker in the time immediately preceding the death of my father April 12 2010. I had no previous personal experience with palliative care. I immediately felt a connection with Shelley and her constant care, calm and gentle presence and complete acceptance of the personal journeys my father and I were making made a very difficult time easier for both of us. Shelley offered me compassion, empathy and unconditional acceptance of my grief as well as hot tea, food, hand holding and hugs and a sense of peace and serenity in a very turbulent and upsetting time in my life. To my father Shelly provided gentle caresses, massages, warm blankets, cold compresses on his forehead, conversation and most importantly dignity and respect. Shelley made herself available to us any time day or night and was there for the entire process which culminated in my father’s peaceful and serene death. I absolutely know that I would not have been able to spend as much time with my dad as I did without her constant support and strength. Shelley was an amazing gift to me and my dad and I marvel at her innate ability to know just what to say, what to do or when to do nothing. Her soothing presence was a welcome respite during a time of high stress, pain and grief. I have maintained my connection with Shelley and our friendship continues to grow, change and develop and this friendship is something I truly treasure.

Lesley – Calgary April 2010

Letter from Joanna to Shelley (Aspen Care’s Director):

I am writing this letter to express my gratitude to Shelley McLellan. My father, who lived in Calgary, was diagnosed with Stage V pancreatic cancer last November. I live in France and was living in France at the time of his diagnosis. I felt an immediate shock and worry that I would not be able to care for him. My family and I needed to find someone to help us care for him through his final months. I remember my first call to Shelley. Because of the time change I think I actually called a little too early. But ever ready, Shelley listened to me. And I felt immediately that I could trust her; rely on her, in fact, to care for one of the most important people in my life She started as soon as she could. She visited him daily to help with recovery from a surgery he had just had. We chose not to pursue any medical treatment after that first surgery. So Shelley was essential to us and to our father. From helping him with food preparation, to bathing, dressing, managing his home environment, getting him to appointments and helping to track his pain management, she was invaluable. She also helped decipher some of the non-medical issues that faced us and answered any questions we had regarded the process of dealing with the medical system.

As my father progressed through his illness, we transitioned him to a hospice with 24 hour care that allowed us to have family come to the facility as his home was too small. Shelley was there through every stage, and like an angel on earth, she was always a phone call away. And importantly, as we transitioned care from her to the hospice, she maintained contact with my brother and I. She cared about us as well as my dad. She was extremely professional in her care, but she was also exceptionally human. It was her caring for us that made the difference through the difficult process of helping our father to die gracefully. And in the end, it was a beautiful death. More so I think because Shelley gave me courage and truth to face what was happening and the ability to appreciate all of the special moments that happened along the way. She will forever be a part of me because, like giving birth, the people that surround you during that momentous occasion become tied to you. Death is like birth. It is momentous. It changes you. And because we had Shelley, the experience was filled with a kind of grace and light that I will never forget.

Thank you Shelley.

Joanna Johnston – Calgary August 4, 2016