Chaplains ease pain of loss
New widow finds comfort along journey
One of the most painful experiences is learning to journey on without your life partner.
After her husband of 25 years passed last year, Anne Hopkins, executive assistant at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, struggled with a “morass of emotion and life changes.”
“I continue through this journey daily,” she said, noting the “enormous support” she received from the spiritual care chaplains at PeaceHealth St. Joseph—Kevin Park, Andrea Zikakis, Cheryl Smith, Nettie Post, Jeff Packer and Tessie Mandeville.
“Each (chaplain) has a presence that is calming and comforting,” she wrote. “In their own way, each has helped me to understand and validate my feelings and affirm that I’m not going crazy or experiencing anything out of the norm for grief of this magnitude.”
She loves that she can talk with them about her husband. They honor his life and respect the reality of his death.
“We are so fortunate to have this team of caregivers here at St. Joe’s,” Anne said. “They continue to support me and offer guidance whenever I need comfort.”
“I feel privileged, grateful and blessed to have this resource a phone call away, or a chat in the hallway, or a visit at my desk—they are all amazing and valuable souls.”
Fellow travelers who come alongside in the rough paths of life.
