I think all of us who are blessed to be able to work in hospice are asked. "Why?"

Why do you feel called to this type of patient care? Where do you find the emotional strength? How can you be with people as they die?

These wondrous souls, I am sharing with you, show not only the healing and transformation they found, but I found as well.

The prose is mine and comes from the depth of understanding that found my heart and added to the journey I was privileged to take with them.

Once upon a time in the east Texas Piney country, there lived a ground squirrel named Pete. With the help of a baby vulture and a wise owl, Pete, busy at his job of gathering nuts, was about to learn new lessons in love and change.

I hope parents will read this to their children and discussions will begin about loss, transitions, and change. And, about how love and friendship can grow even with someone completely different from yourself.

Once upon a time in the east Texas Piney country, there lived a ground squirrel named Pete. With the help of a baby vulture and a wise owl, Pete, busy at his job of gathering nuts, was about to learn new lessons in love and change.

I hope parents will read this to their children and discussions will begin about loss, transitions, and change. And, about how love and friendship can grow even with someone completely different from yourself.