News

For the past 25 years, many people have chosen to spend their final days surrounded in the comfort and care found at McClure Miller Respite House. To be a part of this important moment of a person’s life journey has brought a sense of respect, love and sacredness to this House and the grounds. UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice has always taken great care to honor and respect the space at Respite House, through the attention to the environment both in and around the House and the loving care and heart of the staff. There is an understanding of the importance of this space to many, and for some – depending on religious and cultural traditions – it is considered a sacred space.

With this fall’s move to a new McClure Miller UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice Respite House building, named for benefactors Holly and Bobby Miller and Lois McClure, we know how important it is to transition a sacred space. For some it can help to have a ceremony or a ritual where there is a feeling of honoring and transferring of the energy found in the sacred space to a new place. Ceremonies can make transitions smoother and help process natural emotions that can be experienced when a change is in sight. It can provide an opportunity to reflect on and honor what was, while also setting aspirations for new beginnings.

Madeline Sullivan-Drake, Administrator of McClure Miller Respite House, has thoughtfully kept this respect and sacredness at the forefront during this transitional period. With her leadership and guidance, we offer past and present staff, volunteers, families and anyone who has felt a connection to the VRH over these past 25 years, opportunities to honor the sacredness of the space and to be a part of the transition to a new space.

As the excavating of the new land and the building of the new house was about to begin in October 2015, Sharon, Holly Miller, Respite House RN Supervisor Nancy Carlson and Roberta Hamilton, RN, held a small ceremony. Based on native cultures, this ceremony thoughtfully acknowledged the disruption to the area and the wildlife inhabiting the land. The ceremony highlighted how the presence of this wildlife and the peaceful serene setting surrounding the new home could contribute to the sacredness of Respite House going forward.

Also in October, Hospice staff and volunteers came together at the new site and individually tossed carnations onto a basic outline of the new building. These were a symbol of the staff’s positive aspirations, the desire to continue in the new space to provide meaningful and caring support for those dying and their families. Bobby Miller placed these flowers into the concrete foundation of what would become the new Reflection Room.

Upcoming Events

On September 12, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, there will be an opportunity for the community to learn more about the new house and to take a guided tour during a special Open House. To learn more about this event, click here. And be sure to check back as details are added.

And on September 24, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice will honor the current McClure Miller Respite House that has been a part of this community for 25 years. This ceremony will be an opportunity to reflect upon personal memories of loved ones and to connect with staff, volunteers, family members, and friends. There will be a chance to write a brief reflection or memory on a small scroll that will be placed in a small replica of the Respite House. This replica filled with the scrolls will be moved to the new House, bringing with it the sacred energy that represents the loving care and support from the past 25 years. To learn more details about the closing ceremony, please click here.

Please consider joining us for either or both of these upcoming events as we seek to transition from one sacred space to another.