Hospice staff are there for families at a time of great need. Joe McNett, a Hospice of Palm Beach County Chaplain, tells his story below, teaching us that perfect strangers can become “family.”As best we can tell, Pedro emigrated from Puerto Rico and worked with a landscaping company for many years. Although he was a hard worker, his physical condition began taking its toll. His co-workers and so-called friends would take advantage of this. On weekends, they would encourage him to drink so they could watch him have seizures on the floor of their dormitory.
Pedro came to Hospice of Palm Beach County from a run-down trailer he was renting by himself and immediately began winning our hearts. He had a tracheotomy, which prevented most verbal communication. However, Pedro would communicate with hand gestures and facial expressions that would put a veteran charades player to shame. Despite his slow decline and physical difficulties, Pedro was constantly roaming the halls and taking walks outside. The one thing we could always count on was a smile or salute from him. Even when he was hurting, he still shared that smile.
As our social workers began working on his case, they were especially vexed as to his real name and identity. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were never really able to find out who he was. Pedro’s memory was ravaged and he could only recall random bits and pieces. Additionally, there were no family or friends to care for him, visit, or even claim him when he died.
That is the main reason for my writing this account. Pedro had no one. He spent months in our inpatient unit and we ended up feeling like his family. We cared for him and loved him. Pedro passed away just before midnight on a Tuesday evening. Although there was no one to claim him then . . . we do now.
This letter is a humble eulogy, not as much for his accomplishments, but more about who he was and what he meant to us. Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hospice of Palm Beach County, graciously donated a memorial brick in Pedro’s honor. The entire team signed their names on the bottom and sides of the brick to symbolize the care and support for our friend. The brick was placed outside on the sidewalk that he traveled so much, enjoying the outdoors while he was with us.
It reads:
In memory of Pedro Marcano-Cortez, love your Hospice Family
This letter and the memorial brick are a lasting remembrance for our friend, Pedro. We became his family, and he will always be in our hearts. At Hospice of Palm Beach County, we are honored to be a part of an organization that allows us to care for those who have no family or friends, to makes sure that no one dies in pain, or without love.
