Hospice grants bed-bound patient’s dying wish to see woods one last time

A terminally ill forest ranger was granted his dying wish recently and taken to see the woods one final time.

Ed, who lived in an adult family home in Washington, US, had not been outside for several years because of his sickness.

Before he became bed-bound, Ed had been a forest range who lived for the great outdoors.

Before he passed away, Ed wanted to see woodlands again. He confided this to Curt Huber, the chaplain at Evergreen Health Hospice.

Mr Huber, with the help of other hospice workers, contacted the local fire department and asked the to help fulfill this simple request.

The Snohomish County Fire District were happy to help, and agreed to transport Ed for this final visit.

Together, they organised an outing to Meadowdale Beach Park and took Ed up and down the trails, letting him take in all the beauty of the forest he loved so much.

Diane Fiumara, North Team Program Manager said: "I want to thank my fantastic North Team for their love and dedication to the patients they serve."

Misty Thorne, Hospice worker commented: "Being a Hospice nurse is an incredible gift. Beautiful and compassionate people do this work. A wonderful example of the deep caring that is offered to help people LIVE our their last days. Life is precious and every moment counts."

Last week, the hospice posted the touching story on their Facebook page and were inundated with likes, shares, and well-wishes.

So far, the update has been shared by almost 10,000 people, with a further 40,000 likes.

The Snohomish County Fire District shared the updated, saying: "Words cannot express what an honor it was for our firefighters to meet Ed and assist Evergreen Hospice with this."