Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi - (Page 52)

Memorial service remembers loved ones, offers support for those grieving Life A After Loss A fter losing her husband of 57 years to Alzheimer’s, Pat Tuggle of the Brewer community says she also lost her longtime best friend and partner. Tuggle’s husband passed away in February after a year in the care of North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice. In May, she attended the annual memorial service that is held for families who have lost a loved one on hospice over the past year. There were more than 200 family members at the service, and about 125 butterflies released. “Being around others who are going through the same grief meant a lot to me,” Tuggle said. “It’s amazing how that many people, most of whom are strangers, can come together and support each other and comfort each other. Plus, we loved everyone with NMMC’s hospice. They came to our house almost every day to help take care of him, so it was a good opportunity to see them again.” Precious MeMories The butterfly release portion of the event held a special meaning for Tuggle. “When you let that butterfly go, and watch it fly away into the sky, it makes you feel connected to your lost loved one for a bit,” she says. “Losing a loved one is hard, but the butterfly release reminded me of all the wonderful years we enjoyed together. We rode motorcycles together for years, and raised four children, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.” Tuggle says she is grateful for the opportunity provided by NMMC Hospice to keep her husband at home in his last days. “He had Alzheimer’s for seven years,” she says. “Knowing that I was able to keep him at home helped the whole family deal with his illness a little easier. That was only possible because of all the family that was able to help, as well as hospice.” photo by thinkstock 52 Vim & Vigor • W i n ter 2 012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Bundles of Joy
A Sigh of Relief
Because I Said So!
What’s Wrong with This Picture?
The Future Is Now
Everyday Hero
What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
Johnny Be Good
In the Driver’s Seat
We’ve Got Your Back
Bank on Your Health
Virtual Health
Contact Us!
Take Control of Your Diabetes
Life After a Loss
Taking Flight
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi