Over the last few weeks Mississippians have been adjusting and coping to a new ‘normal’. Staying at home and homeschooling children (many households have several) and keeping a distance from aged parents and grandparents is now a daily practice. High school and college seniors are having to accept that the events that accompany a major milestone in their lives are cancelled. Weddings, funerals, worship services and just about every other celebration that Americans have the freedom to participate in are all on hold.

There’s one thing that’s not on hold, though. As we write this post there are thousands of healthcare workers who have stayed true to their calling of providing care in every circumstance to patients in need. Many of those patients have tested positive for COVID-19.

As we observe the executive order to only go to work if you’re an essential employee, our employees don’t think twice about doing what they were made to do: care for hospice patients. Hospice is essential, and a positive end-of-life experience is essential. The employees and staff of Hospice Ministries are heroes in every sense of the word. Hospice is not an elective medical procedure or something anyone chooses; it’s the end of life, and we exist to provide quality care for patients who are dying.

As you look at social media you may not see many photos of healthcare professionals, including our own team at Hospice Ministries. We’re in a humbling time and taking care of patients and families is the top priority. Healthcare workers and our employees are on the frontline and walk into danger every single day. We are in battle with COVID-19. These are the days where they live out the oath that they took. They are caring for the sick and dying, regardless of the personal sacrifice.

Our employees are heroes. We are thankful for them and for the commitment that life matters, no matter the time left.