“ They were everything under the sun that we needed .”
— Vicki Arnett
Cherished moments in husband ’ s final days
There ’ s nothing much harder than losing someone you love . But there ’ s comfort in knowing that your loved one passed away comfortably and peacefully .
After a year-and-a-half battle with colon cancer , Vicki Arnett ’ s husband , Maurice , was admitted to Forbes Hospital for hospice care . She said the Supportive Care and Palliative Support team provided invaluable care she ’ ll never forget . At the hospital and at their home , the staff managed Maurice ’ s pain and medical needs while showing compassion to him and Vicki .
“ They were everything under the sun that we needed . Absolutely awesome ,” Vicki said . “ They were always asking , ‘ What can we do ?’ We became family with each other because they were loving and caring .”
Maurice was 54 when he passed away in May 2020 , just a month before his and Vicki ’ s 18th wedding anniversary . Vicki ’ s love for her husband is immense . Even through eyes of deep sadness , she smiles while describing how he bench pressed 400 pounds and was a talented chef at various Pittsburgh restaurants .
Vicki said the Forbes team — from doctors and nurses to social workers and pastoral care — helped make Maurice ’ s final days less about dying and more about creating cherished moments .
“ The whole team worked together to arrange for his best buddy , Trouble , to spend time with his daddy the day before he passed ,” Vicki said , referring to their 75-pound German shepherd mix ’ s visit with Maurice at Forbes . “ It was a beautiful moment because we don ’ t have kids together , so that ’ s our family .”
Overwhelmed with emotion , Vicki ’ s voice quivered when she spoke of “ the last greatest dignity ” the Forbes staff did for Maurice .
“ He always liked to look really good . I had bought him some new comfy clothes , and they dressed him for me . I got to see him be himself again . It was such a comfort for me , you have no idea .”
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