Caregiving is a special kind of work, and it becomes something sacred at the end of life. Those final days are about creating memories and moments that keep living in our hearts long after our loved one has gone. Our care team had the privilege of caring for Ms. Karen, alongside her daughter, Ms. Kristie, and her son, Mr. Sonny, during this time.
After looking at photos and talking with Ms. Kristie about how her mom always loved her hair and nails, we started dreaming about one more ‘beauty day’ for Ms. Karen. Even when she was bedbound, our care team washed her hair and tried to style it the way she used to wear it, because that was part of who she was. The week before Easter, that small idea turned into something truly magical. Ms. Kristie arranged for Ms. Karen’s own stylist to come and color, cut, and style her hair, and one of the ladies from their friend group came to do her fingernails.
Ms. Bertha was there that day, helping from our caregiving side, and I came to help as well. I thought it would just be a simple hair appointment, but Ms. Kristie made it so much more. The house was full of the women who loved Ms. Karen, gathered around her bed, talking and laughing and fellowshipping like they had so many times before. Ms. Karen lay there with her eyes closed and the sweetest smile on her face while her hair was being done, just soaking in the sound of their voices. While her color was processing and the ladies were in the kitchen eating and talking, she was still listening, still smiling, and you could see pure joy on her face.
Watching Ms. Karen glow in that moment, and seeing how light‑hearted and lifted up Ms. Kristie was, felt like medicine for both of them. It was a reminder that even in the middle of hard and holy days, there can be laughter, beauty, and comfort. That day was more than hair and nails. It was love in action, a living memory being made right there at her bedside.
Our care team was truly blessed to be able to care for her during this time. To know that this beautiful gathering happened so shortly before Ms. Karen’s passing makes it even more special. It was an honor to be part of that day and to care for her with the same tenderness her family showed her. This will always be a memory that I hold very fondly, and a reminder of how deeply Ms. Karen was loved.
Kayla Peacock
