Charles Hamblin, Celeste Merritt, and Emma Hamblin at their residence at Atlantic Shores.  (Photo by Beverly Crowl) 

 

An only child, Celeste has always been close to her parents, Emma and Charles Hamblin.   When they could no longer live on their own, she retired from her 27-year position as school nurse at Howard T. Ennis to care for them in their home in Selbyville.  When safety became an issue, her parents moved to Atlantic Shores nursing home, and when their physical conditions worsened a few months ago, they were both admitted to Delaware Hospice.

 

Celeste said, “I knew that Delaware Hospice would provide my parents the best end-of-life care and that they would care for my emotional and spiritual needs as well.   However, I didn’t realize just how far they would go!”

 

This year, Celeste met someone special who asked for her hand in marriage.   The second wedding for both, an informal ceremony was planned to take place at her home in Maryland; however, Celeste was devastated that her parents couldn’t be a part of her day.

 

That’s when her Delaware Hospice nurse, Lisa Ferro, RN, decided to try to make it happen.  Two volunteers from Delaware Hospice agreed to give up their Saturdays to travel along with the Hamblins.  Lori Jones, MSW, Director of Social Services for Atlantic Shores, also jumped in and provided a driver and van to accommodate the two wheelchairs.
     
PHOTO CAPTION:  First row:  Foster Smith, Emma and Charles Hamblin, and Sommer Smith; back row:  Erik Smith, Mendi Smith, Celeste and Larry Merritt, and Kelley and Ryan Megee.

 

 

Volunteer Cass Hall said, “I felt like I was watching a Hallmark special.  When the van arrived in the driveway, so many family members came to meet Miss Emma and Mr. Charles.  Although Miss Emma can no longer speak, she didn’t have to.  Her eyes spoke for her as she looked at her daughter with such love and tenderness.  Everyone was hugging Mr. Charles who clearly knew he was back home.  It was truly a blessing to watch this family honor their elders and give them special attention as this new chapter in the life of their precious daughter begins. ”

Celeste was so grateful to everyone, as she said, “This was truly one of the most joyful days of my life.  I can’t thank Delaware Hospice and Atlantic Shores enough for making it possible.”

About Delaware Hospice
Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided exceptional care and support to 36,000 patients and their families.  Its mission is to help each patient, each day, live the fullest, most comfortable life possible.  Delaware Hospice is the largest and only licensed, nonprofit, community-based hospice serving Delaware and southern Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania.    Delaware Hospice is honored to be accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading health care standards-setting and accrediting organization.  Delaware Hospice was voted as a 2011 Top Workplace in an employee survey by Workplace Dynamics and the News Journal.  For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or visit our website, www.delawarehospice.org.

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