"Everyone from Niagara Hospice was very kind and compassionate to our daughter."
At Niagara Hospice, spiritual care focuses on the spiritual being, not religious affiliation. Spiritual care visits are available to both patients and families. Support is provided through the following:
- Pastoral visits to the home, hospital or nursing home
- Spiritual counseling for patients, family and friends
- Spiritual Care counselors serve as liaisons to clergy in facilitating spiritual care for patients and/or families
- Ministry of music for relaxation
- Books, audio and video tapes, and other spiritual resources
Strings of Beads Help Patient Reconnect
It all began when Niagara Hospice Spiritual Care Counselor Maria Lauffenburger brought a box of beads along with her on a visit to 90 year-old patient Viola Terpil. Inside the box, nestled next to the beads, was the book “A String and a Prayer.”
The book explained how to make and use “prayer beads,” a string of beads held during prayer. According to the book, “Stringing beads reminds us to take life one piece at a time, one challenge at a time.”
Viola, a COPD patient, soon began stringing her own prayer beads. She made strings of beads for many of her out-of-town relatives and sent them through the mail. In return, she has received thank you cards from almost all of them, and some have even made donations to Niagara Hospice because of her gift. The prayer beads allowed her to reestablish a connection with her family, and let them know that her thoughts and prayers are with each one of them.
The following is Viola’s account of how she began making her prayer beads and how her life has changed since she started.
This is a story of Faith in God. It is not the first, nor will it be the last, but it is my story and I would like to share it.
At ninety years of age, I started to make beaded jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Some were sold, and some I gave to people I liked.
Along came my prayer lady Maria, one of God’s dearest and sweetest people. I gave her a bracelet. She had a box of beads and asked me if I would like to make some prayer beads. Not knowing what she meant, I took the box and in it found a book explaining what prayer beads were. I learned that prayer beads were a few beads that you carry in your hand. For each one I made I said different prayers for that person.
I was surprised at the response. People sent beautiful cards of thanks and some sent donations to Hospice.
Last week I heard of a boy who disappeared. I sent his mother prayer beads praying he would be found. It took two days, but he was finally found! Anyone who is a mother can appreciate having a child returned to you.
That is my story. I hope you enjoyed it, and believe as I do.
-Viola Terpil |