August 9, 2019

A Special Trip: Gary Parish

EveryStep Hospice patient Gary Parish wanted to return home to Edina, Missouri one last time to visit his parents' grave sites.

Thanks to his friend Dave, and his EveryStep Hospice team in Mount Pleasant, Gary, 62, was able to make the hour trip in July. 

A Navy veteran, Gary moved around for much of his adult life and at one point owned a private information technology business in Edina. He currently lives at the Keosauqua Health Care Center.  

In talking with his friend and care team, Gary expressed his desire to once again visit Edina and the final resting place for many of his family members. 

Last month, a Keosauqua Health Care Center staff member, Gary, his friend Dave, and EveryStep Hospice aide Veanna made the 54-mile trip to Edina using the nursing facility's handicap van. 

Once in town, Gary was able to visit two cemeteries and place flowers at his parents' and other family members' graves. Before heading back to Keosauqua, EveryStep paid for the group to eat dinner at The Blue Room, a restaurant chosen by Gary. 

Since returning, Gary has been looking back on the trip fondly, noting that it "was such a great experience." He even has photos from the visit displayed in his room.

To help fund patient wishes and their quality of life, please consider a gift to EveryStep Foundation on our donation page.

^{Gary Parish, his friend, Dave, and Mount Pleasant EveryStep Hospice aide, Veanna, recently made a trip to Edina, Missouri to visit the graves of Gary's parents and other family members.}