This is really awkward for me for a number of reasons, but I feel like I need to do it, so here goes.

My Mom passed away on Monday after a long illness. I have a big family, and everyone pulled together, so we’re all doing okay. We were able to move Mom to a hospice before the end, and it was a tremendously comforting place staffed by wonderful people.

If you’re making decisions about charitable donations and there’s a hospice care agency in your area, you might give it a look. It was a real haven for us. And if you haven’t thought about end-of-life care and talked about it with your loved ones, please do. Having your wishes known can really make a difference and add some measure of peace to a tumultuous situation.