Story of Durelle Puls

“Hospice will give you the strength that you need to connect even more deeply with your loved one because these angels will do all of the things you are not equipped to do.”

The Unity Care Team felt like angels hovering over me, giving me the loving comfort that I needed, every step of the way.

They engaged me in the final weeks and days of Mom’s care, even though I was 2,000 miles away. They checked with me before making any changes in Mom’s medication and pain management, and any other medical procedures they thought she needed. I felt like I was part of the team, that my opinion mattered, and that it was important that I feel comfortable with every decision that was made.

They described to me over the phone exactly how Mom was doing and what I might expect to happen during her final days. But they always offered hope that she might rally and be with us for a while longer; this helped me understand how much is out of our control when someone is moving closer to death.

Fortunately, I was able to spend two beautiful weeks with Mom in June, when I flew to Wisconsin for what I was quite sure would be my “good-bye.” But she had declined significantly and was struggling in ways that were very challenging for me to witness. So, when the Unity angels arrived and met with both Mom and me, it was as if a gift from heaven had landed in my lap. The angels were gentle, uplifting, and kind. They were also very hands-on and practical, coming up with several new things they would try to do to bring more spirit and light into Mom’s daily routine. I was so very grateful.

A couple of days before I flew back to California, I received a phone call from one of the Nurse Angels. I had left a message saying that I was concerned about Mom’s eating habits – she picked at the vegetables but dove like a trooper into the chocolate cake and cherry pie. The nurse explained to me that older people start to lose their taste buds, except for sweets. So, that small bit of information explained what was going on, and I was relieved to have this understanding. She and I also spoke about the fact that Mom was 100 years old, so it was ok that she was eating mainly sweets and that I didn’t need to feel guilty for bringing her cookies almost every day.

At the end of the conversation, she told me to return home with my worries about Mom lifted from my shoulders – and that it was now time to place Mom’s care in the Unity Angels’ hands. I also told the nurse that I had recently lost my husband, so my emotions were especially fragile. She was very empathetic and understanding. Most importantly, she reminded me to take care of myself. I will never forget that phone call, and the reassuring voice of the Unity angel. Thanks to her and the rest of the angels, I flew back home with peace of mind.

Weeks later, when Mom started to slip away, one of the angels called me and asked if I would like to speak with her. Of course, I said yes. This call gave me one more chance to tell Mom everything that was in my heart. The angel put the phone on speaker so that she could join in on the talk and re-assure me that although Mom could not verbally respond very well, she could tell me that Mom understood what I was saying to her.

A day or two later, another angel called, and offered to set up a Zoom session, and I was given a gift that I will carry with me for the rest of my life: The image of Mom’s face, looking so beautiful, angelic, and at peace, as she slept in her bed with her blanket tucked around her and her still thick and beautiful snow-white hair peeking out.

I got the call of her passing as I was going for a walk with a dear friend, so I had two sets of arms around me – my friend’s and the arms of the angel on the phone.

And then, a few days after that, I received another call from Angel Ashley. She asked me how I was doing. I hadn’t expected this call, but I appreciated it more than I can express. We had a lovely chat and I told her that I would be forever grateful for all that mom’s angels had done for her, and for me, and how their loving care had given me peace and strength. She told me that I had been a very good daughter, especially considering how far away I lived. I was happy to hear that from her because there have been countless times when I have wondered, “Am I doing enough?”

But I think the one most outstanding thing I will never, ever forget is the response I got from each and every angel whenever I thanked them for taking such good care of Mom. They always said, “It is my honor.”

Well, dear angels, it is MY honor to have known YOU.

I encourage anyone who has a family member who has a life-threatening illness, to not hesitate to become connected with Unity and take advantage of their services. Don’t hesitate. Hospice will give you the strength that you need to connect even more deeply with your loved one because these angels will do all of the things you are not equipped to do.

— Joy Rewick, Durelle’s Daughter

Click on the image below to watch Joy’s testimonial.