The final months of life can bring uncertainty, but they can also reveal unexpected moments of grace. For Sara and her family, that grace came through Christine, the Certified Nursing Assistant whose gentleness and devotion helped guide them through one of life’s most tender transitions.
When Sara and her mother began their journey with Delaware Hospice, the moment was layered with emotion.
“I’d dealt with hospice before,” Sara shared, “but it was different when it was my Mom.”
Her mother had always been the one caring for others, so accepting support and stepping into the role of patient felt unfamiliar and difficult. She worried about becoming a burden to her family.
Christine entered their home during this vulnerable time. Though she had been with Delaware Hospice for just under a year, she carried with her what so many patients and families quickly come to recognize: deep compassion, patience, and a gift for meaningful connection.
From the very first visit, Sara saw her mother begin to feel at ease.
“When Christine met Mom for the first time, Mom was immediately super comfortable,” she said. “She loved the way Christine talked to her and connected with her. She enjoyed her company and felt seen, respected, and treated with dignity.”
For Christine, that kind of connection is at the heart of her work.
“Working as a hospice CNA can be both emotional and challenging,” she shared, “but for me it has been deeply rewarding. I hope to leave a strong impression and impact on those I’ve cared for.”
Sara often found herself relying on Christine’s guidance. No matter the question, Christine offered knowledge and reassurance without hesitation.
“Christine helped my sister and me understand what Mom was going through and gave us reminders on how to make her more comfortable,” Sara said. “Having a thoughtful and kind CNA helping us made a huge difference in our ability to take care of my Mom.”
What stood out most was Christine’s gentleness.
“She always met my Mom at my Mom’s pace. She never tried to move faster than my Mom could,” Sara said.
Christine’s care philosophy reflects exactly what the family witnessed: treat others the way you would want to be treated. Behind that simple philosophy is a caregiver who brings her whole self to her work. She loves traveling, exploring museums and zoos, staying connected with family and friends, attending weekend worship services, and unwinding with a good mystery novel. The fullness of her life outside of work fuels the empathy and presence she brings into her patients’ homes.
Christine’s approach reflects living the Delaware Hospice core values. Whether offering reassurance, taking extra time to support her patients and their families, or bringing kindness into difficult moments, she embodies the heart of the Delaware Hospice mission.
By leading with mission-focused values, the Delaware Hospice team provides exceptional patient-family experiences — and Christine’s compassion is a powerful example of how to fulfill that mission every day.
“I enjoy caring for others even during difficult times,” she said. “I try to treat everyone in a way that reflects who I am, regardless of who they are.”
Before she passed, Sara’s mother made one thing clear: she wanted Christine to be celebrated—“if someone treats you well, they should be recognized for it.”
Sara extended that gratitude to the entire Delaware Hospice team. “All of the staff were spectacular to interact with. They make all the difference in being comfortable and being at home. We appreciate how Delaware Hospice took care of our family.”
In the end, Sara’s family found comfort in the care her mother received and in the compassion that surrounded them throughout her final months. Their story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make and the lasting impact that kindness leaves behind.
