“There is power in acceptance when it’s time,” says my young friend, Tina, who happens to be in hospice. Here is her story followed by quotes from people who have shared their own experiences, strategies and encouragement in holding on to hope.

“Never thought I’d be here, despite it all. Hospice is coming tomorrow. I’m 25. I can’t take the pain anymore. I just want peace, and to be pain free. I’m sad, but also very relieved in a way. It takes so much strength to fight, strength I don’t have anymore.

I’m doing my funeral plans as nothing more can be done.

I love the songs I picked, and I found a casket made out of mushrooms. So awesome and biodegradable!” -Tina

“There are so many stories of people coming back from hospice. Please don’t give up hope. It literally can be turned around. I’m a nurse who worked in hospice for a short time. Pain management is essential.” -Kathy

“I’ve been in hospice three times for stage four pain. My integrative oncologist said, ‘It’s hard to focus on healing when you’re in so much pain.’ So I took what I needed orally to help manage the pain. Get the pain under control and come out as many times as needed.” -Donna

“I’m on six pain pill types a day just to get by. When they work, I can function and today I actually had energy enough to eat and fold clothes. It felt normal, and gave me hope, and hope, when you have nothing else, is everything.” - Diane

“Last week, a good friend brought me back to life when she drove several hours to visit. During her visit, I was bedridden. She cooked for me and did some cleaning. Truthfully, I need more help, but I’m telling you, I resisted her even coming because I had a hellish week of agonizing pain and throwing up. I began gaining strength after eating eggs again. I had been a vegan. And too weak to cook for myself. My friend left me with hard-boiled eggs, gluten-free bread, butter and sea salt. I don’t know how or why, but those eggs saved my life. A week later, I gained six pounds. And I’m able to clean and have eighty-percent less pain now. Truly a miracle!” -Chandra

“I had lost all hope last week, I was so sick. I’ve been on many treatments, and the tumors are still in my abdomen, but slow growing. And so, I was given hospice as an option. I was feeling that bad. It’s a choice if I want it. I don’t. On painless days, I have healing hope. Not on all days, but on enough days to feel I can recover. I listen to my body. I’ll not debate what’s giving me strength and endurance now. I just pray and listen to my body.” -Stacey

“The delight of having a dear loved one hug me many times, hold my hand, brush my hair is ever so soothing. Uplifting. I’m going to rise above the struggle and into feeling actually good. Until then, I cuddle with my dog. I talk gently to him, and feel better. Pets know what to do to heal us.  Thanks for listening.” -Laura

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.