When the time came to bring her mother-in-law, Theresa “Terri” Brown, home from the hospital, Cheryl knew her time was precious. After making the call to Arbor Hospice, they immediately felt the peace, comfort, and support they needed for Terri in her final weeks.
For Cheryl, hospice care was not new. Nearly 30 years ago, her mother received the same care from Arbor Hospice. That experience planted the seeds of gratitude—and a personal commitment to give back.
Throughout Terri’s end-of-life journey, Cheryl and her husband, Lance, knew she was in good hands. They share their gratitude for the care Terri received in this heartfelt letter:
“Dear Arbor Hospice,
We want to thank you for the love and care you showed our dear mother, Theresa “Terri” Brown, while she was in your wonderful hospice care. We could not have found a better place for her than Arbor Hospice.”
You made her feel comfortable in her final days. Eva, Eric, Liz, Lyn—the whole team made sure every detail of Terri’s care was met with skill and compassion. Each day, Theresa felt comfortable, at peace and cared for with the utmost respect. The same love and care were also shown to our family. We are extremely grateful for you.
We stand as witnesses that there are earthly angels that walk among us, as you demonstrated that love to us. Know that the work you do is not just a job, but a true calling.”
While saying goodbye was painful, Cheryl and Lance were filled with gratitude and a profound peace knowing that Terri was comfortable and cared for.
Today, Cheryl meets with others facing the end of life as a companion volunteer at Arbor Hospice, offering her presence with patients who are in their final days.
“When I tell people that I am an Arbor Hospice companion volunteer, I always hear, ‘That must be so hard.’ My answer is always no—not at all. I find that spending time with my patients (and sometimes their family members) fills my heart with humbleness and joy.”
The role has given her a sense of purpose and meaning. Simply offering companionship is something she considers a gift. She says, “It is an honor for me to be invited into a complete stranger’s home just to be present with them while dying. It is a gift I receive in return.”
From a grateful daughter to a devoted volunteer, Cheryl’s journey reflects the heart of Arbor Hospice—Every Person, Every Time.
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