Eddie was the home health aide on one of VITAS’ Broward hospice teams. Although attentive to all his patients, he became especially close to Erma. Erma was an elderly lady who lived alone and had no relatives.

When Eddie visited with Erma, he was surprised how easily and openly she talked about dying. She seemed to have no fear of death itself, only of dying alone. As time progressed, she became more vocal in her pleas not to be alone when she died. Eddie assured her he would do everything possible to see that she would not be alone.

When Erma became very weak, she agreed to go to one of VITAS’ inpatient hospice units. Eddie visited her every day.

One afternoon Erma was barely able to communicate, and it looked as if her death was near. Eddie gently reminded Erma that he would be with her, if at all possible, so she would not die alone. Eddie had requested permission from his supervisor to stay with Erma when her death seemed close. Erma gathered her strength and told Eddie that she felt death would come soon. Eddie held Erma’s hand and continued to speak gently to her. She died not long after. Not alone, but safely and peacefully with Eddie at her side.

The inpatient hospice unit team director said Erma’s was the most peaceful, beautiful death she had ever seen.