Firefighters Carry Him Out Of Nursing Home To Fulfill Dying Wish — And It’s Absolutely Beautiful.

Everyone has something or someone that drives their passion and joy in life. For former forest ranger Edward Reis, it was the outdoors. Living for the experience of the outdoors became difficult when Reis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Ed lived in an adult nursing home called EvergreenHealth Hospice. When he shared his dying wish with Chaplain Curt Huber, Huber knew he wanted to do whatever it took to make sure Reis’ wish was granted.

Reis’ wish was to visit the outdoors one last time. The hospice team including Huber and RN Case Manager, Leigh Gardner, contacted the Snohomish County Fire District who said that they would be happy to help. Members of hospice team who cared for Reis and the local firefighters joined him on his visit to Meadowdale Beach Park in Edmonds. Reis was transported in the EMS vehicle while other firefighters followed in their firetruck.

The Evergreen Hospice Volunteers Facebook page wrote a beautiful description of Reis’ special day outdoors. It said, “Together, the group took Ed up and down the trails, bringing him the scents of the forest by touching the fragrant growth and bringing their hands close to Ed’s face.”

For Reis, it was like finally coming home after a long time away as he smelled the familiar scents and saw the pleasant sights that brought back some of his favorite memories. It is not clear whether or not Reis had any living family members so the firefighters became his family that day.

Although hospice care can be assumed to be a depressing place to be, everyone including Reis was delighted and positively impacted by that day outside. After this last journey outdoors, Reis passed away.

We are so thankful for all of the caring hospice care workers who support those in their care with such love and dedication. If you know anybody in who works in hospice, please share this inspiring story with them and thank them for their work!

Source: http://www.liftable.com/carolynfultz/firefighters-carry-him-out-of-nursing-home-to-fulfill-dying-wish-and-its-absolutely-beautiful/