So that we may commemorate our 25th anniversary, Hospice of Holland has created an art exhibit entitled "Love Is," featuring photographs and memories of patients and families, past and present.
The inspiration for the "Love Is" project came after months of searching for a special way to celebrate our 25th anniversary. A project was needed that was meaningful to the families touched by our services, and at the same time could educate others that we are not only about death and grief, but more importantly, about life and love.
And to that end, we have included short biographies of a few of our current patients. We hope this allows you to have an insight and understanding to the life and love which surrounds the people we have the privilege of serving each and every day.
Anne Bosch
Anne, the youngest of 10 children growing up, has kept active her whole life. Even though she is coping with a diagnosis of colon cancer, she actively pursues her many hobbies. Hospice has helped her tremendously with her pain and symptom management; and for that, she is grateful. When asked to describe herself, she says “I love flowers, nature and the great outdoors. And I am always happy!” Her son, a former biology teacher, has taught her much about birds. She has developed quite a fascination and loves to feed and watch them outside her windows. Anne’s true passion, however, is painting China porcelain. She was taught by very talented European painters and has created several China patterns over the years depicting floral and nature scenes. Anne, a widow, shares that all nine of her siblings and their spouses have passed away. Even her husband’s siblings and their spouses have died. But yet, she never feels alone. She is so happy to be alive and drinks in the glory of each new day. She feels the Lord’s presence within her and makes the most of everyday.
George Plakke
George has an energy that can light up a room. He is charming and has a great sense of humor. George, a recipient of Hospice care since March of 2007, is very pleased with the care he is receiving from the nurses, aides and support counselors; as well as the team of volunteers who assists him and his wife, Evelyn. George and Evelyn have three adult children, five grandchildren and are excited about the birth of their first great-grandchild. When asked how they met, Evelyn shared that George was very musically inclined and used to teach saxophone and clarinet at the local music store. She taught accordion at the same store. They met and, Evelyn remembers, “he was just so loveable…and so kind.”
Elaine Kiekenveld
Elaine, who recently passed away in late October, enjoyed socializing and a good game of cards. Elaine played “Hand and Foot,” a game similar to Canasta, with three different groups of friends. When asked if she won a lot, Elaine replied, “My kids say I do, but actually it’s about 50-50.” Elaine always had a lot of friends. In addition to playing cards, she socialized with a group of alumni from Holland High School the last Friday of each month. In September, her class of 1942 decided to gather in the Great Room at the Hospice House for a class reunion. At the reunion, Elaine served as a “tour guide” of her new home. Elaine was living at home prior to her transfer to the Hospice House. Elaine loved her new home away from home. “It’s grand, the care is outstanding, and the people are kind, compassionate and friendly. I can’t say enough about it… it is the next best thing to home.”
James Bouwkamp
After being left to raise three girls, James Bouwkamp did everything he could to encourage their talents. He invested a lot of time, money and effort into fostering the girls’ love for music. And it’s at the Hospice House that two of his girls, Robin and Kim, have provided James so much comfort as they play the baby grand piano and sing him familiar hymns and hold his hand. Robin shares that her Dad has done the work of two parents and grandparents for her, her siblings and their children. He has given so much. “I wanted to give him the very best for his last days”. There at the Hospice House, the staff have the time to care for him in the manner which he deserves. There in the “cheeriness and quiet”, James is living his final days with dignity. To his daughters, this was the best gift they could give in exchange for the lifetime of love, guidance, compassion and generosity he showed to them and their children.
Nadine Warner
Nadine was born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania. She and her husband had one child, and her child had only one child: Jill. Jill and her Grandma were as close as possible despite the fact that Jill has always lived in Michigan. They kept close through phone calls and mail. But it wasn’t until six years ago that Jill felt even closer to Nadine. Jill was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo aggressive treatment and surgery. Jill and her husband, used to two incomes, felt so blessed when Nadine stepped up to help contribute, not only financially, but with showers of emotional support as well—and it was felt even from a distance. Three years later, when Jill had to undergo open heart surgery from complications from the chemo therapy three years prior, Nadine was there with support once again. It was only natural then, this past summer, when Nadine called and told Jill it was time to be closer to family, Jill and her family went out at once. Nadine, now a widow, was so reluctant to leave the only home she ever knew this late in life. They arrived shocked to find her so thin and sickly. Once Jill was home with Nadine, they brought her to the hospital for tests, only to find that she was full of cancer. The doctors told them all “it wouldn’t be long”. But once Nadine moved into the Hospice House, she rebounded, started gaining weight and feeling so much better—more like herself. The woman who gave so much to her friends and family her whole life had never allowed herself to be cared for and pampered. She put her pride aside and truly let the staff care for her with dignity and compassion and lived much longer than everyone thought because of it. Nadine died peacefully on November 3rd—exactly four months from her move to the Hospice House—surrounded by the love she so freely gave her whole life through.
