Everyday Moments of Grace: Hospice patient’s art brings joy
A hospice patient’s room becomes an art studio to create expressions of her life she loves to share with others.
A stay at hospice did not stop Sherry McCalden from doing what she loves - creating art and sharing it with others.
A lifelong artist
McCalden is a lifelong artist. Her love of painting started in high school. She's been creating works of art ever since. From landscapes to animals to flowers, she paints what inspires her and what she loves.
Not much stops her from painting, including Parkinson's disease. For a few months, she was at the PeaceHealth Richard Nau Hospice House in Longview, Washington before her health stabilized and she was relocated to another facility. She transformed her room at Hospice House into an art studio filled with her paintings. A visit brought joy to both visitors and staff.
“She’s an amazing woman – very kind,” says Lisa Risenberg, a medical social worker, about McCalden, a temporary patient at Hospice House. “While she’s here she tries to be positive.”
Personal philosophy
McCalden’s shares her life philosophy is to “try and help people and to live the right way.” She says, “I love people. I like to make them feel good.”
Her love of people extends to the nurses and staff at Hospice House. “Everyone is so nice and compassionate,” says McCalden. To show her appreciation she says, “While I’m here I’m trying to finish enough paintings to give to each one.” One of the caregivers requested a painting with a heart. McCalden finished the painting with a special touch - she added a rose to the center of the heart.
McCalden says her ultimate goal is to “stay healthy.” Her wise advice to others is “Enjoy life! It’s there.” In the meantime, she has more canvases to fill with what inspires her and brings joy.
