Fall 2003 - Hospice of the Rapidan

Waltzing the Reaper is a one-woman show, written by P. Paullette MacDougal and performed by Judith
Gantly, abbreviated as “A once-vital, still witty woman, Vera has been resuscitated despite her Living
Will. Now she must depend on a relative she never liked to get her out of the hospital and home, where
she can make peace with her family and die with dignity, with the help of Hospice.” The synopsis does not
express the humor or emotion of the play, nor does it explain its thought-provoking aspects that leave
everyone in the audience wondering what they would do in a similar situation—from either perspective,
either as the dying person or the family with whom she cannot communicate.
Poetry from the Heart
CVPCI (and Hospice of the Rapidan) also participated in the sponsorship of speaker Donald Hall for a
Medical Hour forum at the University of Virginia Medical Center on November 12. Hall read from his poetry
about the last illness and death of his wife, poet Jane Kenyon, in 1996, as well as about his own
bereavement following her death. Discussion followed his presentation of poems published in two books,
Without and The Painted Bed.
Library Lessons
As we’ve done for the past several years, Hospice of the Rapidan provided National Hospice Month posters
to libraries in the five-county area for displays during the month. The displayed collection of books on endof-life
care and hospice in a central location in each library makes it easier for people to find information
on a subject they might be a little hesitant to explore.
Hittin’ the Road
While our Speakers' Bureau operates year-round, several members of the staff were able to speak to
groups in November about hospice care, including a joint venture with Hospice Support of Fredericksburg
on advance directives at Lake of the Woods Church on November 18 th . Staff and volunteers also provided
information to the Culpeper community at the annual Culpeper HealthFest.