Pedro

Pedro was turning 93, and he and his bride were celebrating 69 years of marriage. His family embraced this opportunity to celebrate! When Pedro’s daughter Yolanda talked with the hospice social worker about this dream, the social worker introduced them to Project 4031. Yolanda was so grateful for her father’s hospice team, his social worker was a blessing, and she said of the team: “the love they would give and compassion, that’s what you want” for your loved one.

With party planning underway, the family wanted a special surprise. Any good party includes mariachis! At Project 4031, we did our research and chose a fabulous mariachi band for the occasion. Yolanda said the party was a beautiful success! Family gathered, including family they hadn’t seen in twenty years.

In all the excitement, a tired Pedro was ready to rest, but the surprise mariachi hadn’t arrived yet. He went to his room to lay down, and when the band arrived, Yolanda sent them to his window to play. What a surprise…the look on his face made it all worthwhile. He sat up, put on his cowboy hat, and was ready to head back out to the party. Her father’s tears of joy said it all for his thankful daughter.

Not long after that day, Pedro died peacefully at home. Although she misses him, his daughter confidently asserted that he is in a better place, and she is thankful for the blessing of his long life. At Project 4031, we are thankful to the hospice team who loved Pedro so well and who invited us to be a small part of his end-of-life story.