When health care lives up to its name

To most people familiar with the Xpress and its Web site, I am the annoying troll-of-a-poster who is always forcing his opinions and bad jokes on others, and it’s a roll that I relish (relish on a roll, how disgusting). To others I’m a guy who writes—in a (hopefully) not-too-smarmy voice—about music and bands that are coming in from out of town. But for the moment, let’s ignore all of that and focus on something else: my grandmother.

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, my grandmother passed away at the John F. Keever Jr. Solace Center in Asheville. In these days of constant conversation about the health-care system in the United States, we don’t hear about the good things, which I believe the Keever Solace Center to be.

Never once during her stay was my grandmother treated like just another patient or just another chore for those who worked there. During her last weeks, she was treated with a dignity and respect that I had long feared her illness had robbed from her.

The days after the loss of a family member can be hectic, with conversations about the logistics and about what to do now, and the endless parade of family members bringing over chicken to eat. But I’d like, for one moment, just to shine a light (no matter how small and insignificant mine might be) of praise upon the Keever Solace Center.

— Jason Bugg
Asheville

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3 thoughts on “When health care lives up to its name

  1. Michele Scheve

    I am sorry for the loss of your grandma. I am sure she was a light in this world who will be missed.

  2. travelah

    Jason, I echo Michele’s sentiments and am assured that there are places providing a rest and comfort for those who are in need. There is much that is good about the systems we have in spite of the rhetoric.

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