COMMEMORATING CARE: THE ROCK RITUAL AND OUR JOURNEY OF REFLECTION

In the world of hospice care, time is a fluid concept. Residents come and go, each leaving their unique imprint on the hearts of those who cared for them. The length of time residents stay with us in hospice can vary; some stay for months, some weeks, some days and some only for hours. But regardless of how long they stay, each has something in common: the therapeutic bond they share with the care team at Pilgrims Hospice Society.

Caring for someone at the end of their life is a profoundly meaningful experience. Our Care Team forms deep connections with our residents and their families. As such, they need to balance the honour of providing comfort with the emotional weight of witnessing death. Their role requires immense resilience and compassion as they ensure dignity and peace for those in their final moments while reflecting on the fragile nature of life and mortality.

Commemorating the lives entrusted to us at Pilgrims Hospice Society and honouring the grief we feel upon their death is immensely important and why we created the Rock Ritual.

Rooted in the spiritual dimension of care, the Rock Ritual is a testament to the dedication of our Care Team. It’s a touching and therapeutic way to commemorate the lives entrusted to us in hospice. As the inevitable moment arrives — the death of a resident — the Care Team gathers to carefully paint and decorate a rock bearing the name of the deceased. This moment of reflection allows the Care Team to come together in a meaningful ritual where they can pause, honour the life of the resident and express their feelings. Painting and decorating the rock is a personal and collective way for the team to acknowledge their loss and find solace in each other’s company. It’s a gentle way to commemorate the resident’s journey and create a lasting tribute that symbolizes their presence and impact within our hospice community.

Rituals are symbolic gestures vital in fortifying a care team’s strength, capacity and mental well-being. The act of memorializing a resident underscores the team’s meaningful work. Taking a moment to pause, reflect and honour the death of each resident not only acknowledges the significance of their time in hospice but also supports the Care Team in their continuous commitment to providing compassionate care.

The rocks, adorned with memories and emotions, remain within our hospice for a time as a gentle reminder. The Care Team will eventually move the stones to a serene rock garden outside our hospice — a sacred space where they can commemorate and reflect on the care they provide.

In a world often marked by the transience of life, the Rock Ritual stands as a testament to the enduring impact of compassion and care. As we cultivate this garden of memories, we honour the residents who have passed through our doors and the dedicated caregivers who continue to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.