With the daily evolving crisis of COVID-19, we are navigating the unknown in our personal and community lives. Keeping ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors and our communities as healthy as possible, safe and equipped with basic needs, must be our first priorities. Collectively we are learning to manage and to LIVE within a pandemic. Kindness, compassion and patience matter more than ever. Our ability to reach out with concern, helpfulness and generosity towards others will shape a response that honors our shared humanity.

At Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg (HHSCW), our guests and families exist in the face of challenges that upend daily lives, destroy routines and re-order priorities as they deal with approaching death and devastating loss. They learn to relinquish control and live fully into the moment, using the forced changes to explore what matters most. It always inspires me to hear expressions of gratitude from family members — not for the sorrow, loss and pain, but for the challenge that forced them to reconsider how they live.

There is no doubt that we are facing an unknown period of disruption, even devastation, as this virus has its way with our lives. Yet connection sustains us, joy remains and laughter brings relief. Today, and every day, we continue our mission at HHSCW, helping our neighbors, and though it looks different now under the Governor’s Executive Order, our essence is unchanged. Our temporary normal challenges us to find new ways to connect, new ways to serve and new opportunities for joy and laughter. We are grateful for the loving support that sustains us. We are standing strong today, ready for whatever comes next. And, we encourage you all to be well, be open, be kind.

Audrey Smith is the Executive Director of Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg (HHSCW). HHSCW is a social-model hospice that cares for people at the end of life, comforts the bereaved and empowers others to do the same. The Hospice House itself is a spacious residence that is a home away from home for our guests and their families. Support care services range from companionship in families' homes to extensive bereavement programs provided to families throughout the community. Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg is a 501(c)(3) organization that is entirely funded by contributions. No family or individual ever receives a bill for our services and support; nor do we accept Medicare, Medicaid or other reimbursements. For more information or to make a gift, please call Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg at 757-253-1220 or visit www.williamsburghospice.org.

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