A Decade of Compassion: A Journey with Gilchrist
On October 29, 2014, Carol Esposito’s beloved husband, Frank, passed away—just days before Halloween, a holiday the couple cherished. Now, a decade later, Carol reflects on how Gilchrist provided compassionate care not only for her husband but also for her mother, Doris Kridenoff, who recently passed away in August after receiving palliative and hospice care with Gilchrist. This anniversary brings bittersweet memories for Carol, as Halloween, once filled with joy and festive traditions, now carries a deeper significance.
A Life Full of Passion and Connection
Frank Esposito was a man of many passions, and his hobbies brought together a wide circle of friends. He was an auto mechanic by trade, but he also had a love for amateur radio, which he shared with Carol. He enjoyed collecting antique gas engines, remnants of an era when they powered old sawmills and farm equipment. Frank had even raced cars in his younger years. In addition to his hobbies, Frank shared a special bond with their dog, Boston, a Boston Terrier who became an important part of the family. Frank had rescued Boston shortly before he passed, and the dog later became a loyal companion to Carol. After Frank’s death, Boston formed a deep connection with Carol’s mother, Doris, bringing comfort and companionship to both during their later years.
Choosing Care with Gilchrist
When Frank was diagnosed with liver disease, the couple faced a difficult decision. He chose home care, and they turned to Gilchrist for support. Frank received care from Gilchrist for three months, a time that allowed him to stay in the comfort of his home. “He wanted home care, and we both agreed,” Carol recalls. “He passed here peacefully, and that was exactly what he wanted and what I wanted.” The nurses and aides provided not only medical care but emotional support, helping Carol navigate the difficult journey. “Gilchrist was the best. I had three months of wonderful care for my husband,” she shares, adding that all the experiences were positive.
Four years later, Gilchrist once again played a significant role in Carol’s life when her mother, Doris, began receiving palliative care. Unlike hospice, palliative care focuses on providing comfort and quality of life at any stage of a serious illness, and it can be combined with curative treatments. Carol was again grateful for the compassionate care Gilchrist provided. “I had great peace of mind because there was always someone there,” she says, highlighting the instrumental support she received from Gilchrist’s 24-hour helpline.
Finding Peace at Gilchrist Center Towson
When Doris’ condition worsened, Carol faced the difficult decision of moving her mother to Gilchrist Center Towson for her final days. Initially hesitant to leave the familiarity of home, Carol soon found comfort in the care her mother received at the facility. “The nurses were very good, and I saw the care that she was given. It wasn’t what I wanted at first, but this was the best place for her. Gilchrist gave her more life, and they helped her.”
Throughout her journey with Gilchrist, Carol found that Gilchrist’s hospice care provided much more than medical assistance—it offered emotional support and peace of mind. “I would encourage anyone thinking about hospice to most definitely do it. It’s the best care you could ever get,” she advises.
A Time for Reflection
As Halloween approaches, Carol reminisces about the traditions she shared with her husband, Frank, and her mother, Doris. From their annual hayrides for neighborhood children to Frank’s love of making treats like apple cider and candy apples, these memories hold a special place in her heart. This year is especially poignant for Carol, as she marks ten years since Frank’s passing and faces her first Halloween without her mother. Reflecting on the lasting impact Gilchrist has had on her life, she is grateful for the support that allowed her to focus on creating meaningful memories with both Frank and Doris during their final days. Carol’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hospice care and how it offers dignity, peace, and comfort during life’s most challenging moments.
To learn more about Gilchrist’s palliative and hospice care programs, visit https://gilchristcares.org/