When a family comes to Crescent Cove for an end-of-life stay, our care extends far beyond the clinical. Parents sleep just steps from their child. Grandparents, siblings, and extended family are welcome to visit throughout the day. We provide warm meals, strong coffee, and peaceful moments—made possible by our compassionate staff and the volunteers who wrap each family in love and care during their most difficult time.

An Urgent Call Over the Holiday Weekend

Earlier this year, just before the 4th of July, we received a call that a family might need to come for end-of-life care over the holiday weekend. Within 24 hours, we let them know: yes, we could welcome them. Immediately, our team began arranging meals and support. It was a major holiday and we knew many of our regular volunteers might be away—but within a single day, every meal for the next five days was claimed. Covered. Taken care of.

The response from our community—one that runs toward, not away from grief—was humbling.

A Simple Gesture, a Profound Impact

Among those who signed up to make a meal was our Director of Nursing, Kathryn. After a long day at the Home, she found herself at a grocery store around midnight, picking up a few ingredients to prepare a dish for the family. Tired but focused, she stood in line at checkout.

The man ahead of her turned to the cashier and informed her that he would be paying for her groceries, too. Kathryn hadn’t spoken to him. He didn’t know why she was there, or who the food was for. He simply saw someone with a small basket of food, and chose kindness.

She thanked him, and walked toward her car, while the man and a younger adult—his son, as she would soon learn—bagged their items. Under the quiet glow of the parking lot lights, Kathryn paused. Looking up at the stars, something nudged her to turn back.

She waited until they came outside and stopped them.

“That was so very generous of you,” she said to him, “And I wanted to let you know who you bought these items for.”

She told them about the family who had just arrived at the children’s hospice home down the road for end-of-life care of their infant son.

The man and his son stood in disbelief.

“You mean, these groceries that I bought will nourish this family who is going through this difficult time?” he asked.

He then told Kathryn that he was a pastor at a local church. He asked for the family’s names so he and his congregation could pray for them.

“See son, this is why you do good things for others,” he said. “You never know what others are going through.”

It was a quiet reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can carry extraordinary meaning.