By LYNN M. FINNEGAN, PresidentI would like to express my gratitude to Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service for the touching Memorial Service provided to the community at Fuller Lodge last weekend.
As a member of the Board of Directors for LAVNS for eight years, I am ashamed to admit that this was my first attendance. I know I will now make it a priority. LAVNS extends a personal invitation to every family member in Los Alamos who has experienced the death of a loved one through September of the preceding year. Many of those in attendance lost family and friends who were LAVNS patients, but the Memorial Service is open to all.
The Service, which has been an annual event since its inception by LAVNS founder Sarah Rochester 19 years ago, included beautiful violin music and singing, followed by inspirational words by LAVNS Chaplain Pat Slentz. Thereafter, Executive Director Georgina Williams read the names of departed loved ones as each family and/or friends of the individual came forward, placed a white rose in a vase, and was given an opportunity for a few words.
What touched me the most was the number of times LAVNS staff was thanked for their service and compassion. The staff at LAVNS volunteers at the Memorial Service to assist with the offering of roses and with the reception afterward. Many of the nurses were near tears themselves as they recounted memories of the patients they lost. I am so proud to be part of this local non-profit home health care and hospice organization that employs such competent and caring professionals.
In addition to providing quality care in the home, LAVNS will soon be breaking ground on The Sanctuary at Canyon’s Edge, the first stand-alone hospice house in New Mexico north of Albuquerque. We welcome your donations and support.
