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She’s one of nine children and has been a nurse for forty-three years. It was in the last twenty three years that she found the true meaning of what nursing is about. Since she joined Hospice of Rutherford County it “became her home”. To Cindy LaFon, Hospice defined what nursing should be. It is the “heart of nursing”. Nobody, absolutely nobody, can give you what Hospice offers. It is a dedication, a way of life, and rewards you with a fulfillment of caring and loving. Those who experience it are blessed and very special. The epitome of a Hospice Nurse is personified by Cindy. Her example is to be followed and hopefully achieved by others. For those many Hospice patients that she cared for, sang to, prayed with, and held their hands as they went forward to a higher calling, Cindy gave them the very best!
Her father was a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy and was from Rutherford County. Cindy was born at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. When her dad returned home after retirement, Cindy went to Chase High School and graduated from there. Cindy was very motivated and became a registered nurse in 1970. As the Hospice program was getting started in Rutherford County, Rita Burch, Executive Director, asked Cindy to become a part of the program. Cindy said yes and even took a pay cut to become part of the Hospice program. She not only fell in love with the program, but set a standard for others to follow. She drove all over Rutherford County to console patients in need as well as their families. She became their “escort angel to heaven.”
Kim Lowery, Director of Clinical Services said of Cindy: “I will miss her balance. She truly knows what Hospice is all about.” As a testimony to this lady, co-workers and anyone and everyone at Hospice held a special breakfast for her on Tuesday, December 31. There were many words of praise and many tears for this departing nurse. Cindy was given a special card, a song by Susan Harris, and the opportunity to design a special piece of jewelry, a one of a kind, as a memento of her time and dedication for Hospice. Many stories were shared and if the staff wasn’t laughing, testimonial tears were flowing.
One of the stories Cindy shared with us was about her dad. He was very active in his church and sang in the choir. When he didn’t show up one Sunday, everyone became concerned. They went to his home, broke down the door and found he had had a stroke. It was diagnosed that he only had a few weeks left in his life. Cindy prayed that he could come to Hospice. Her prayers were answered and her 85 year old father came into her care. Cindy was there when he “went from a weak state to a blessed state”. She always loved having the opportunity to love and pray for those patients and could do the same for the man that gave her life.
Now that she is retiring, I asked her about her plans. “I have five grandchildren and one on the way. I’m going to home school one of them and enjoy their company.” She will also be available and on call whenever she is needed at Hospice. It is testimony that she can not totally give up her wonderful program at Hospice. The home Hospice healthcare lady is very spiritual and strongly feels that she is given more than she gives. She will be missed, but not too far away, if needed.
