Home is Where the Heart is: Veteran’s Last Salute
Many people misunderstand hospice as a place. They don’t know that hospice is actually a philosophy centered on providing compassionate, high-quality care to seriously ill patients. Mellisa Colimore’s journey with her father, Ronald Sechrist, highlights the essence of this philosophy.
Born in Washington, DC, Ronald Sechrist moved to Baltimore, settling down in Parkville. Ronald’s life was marked by service, music, a love for traveling, sports, and his family. After being drafted into the army and serving, he returned to civilian life, playing the saxophone in a band called The Chevelle Five. He later settled in Timonium with his wife, where they raised their daughter, Mellisa.
In 2020, life took a challenging turn for Ronald when his wife passed away suddenly from a stroke. This loss, coupled with the diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, significantly impacted him. After several falls and suspected seizures, the need for 24/7 care became evident. Mellisa decided it was best for Ronald to receive hospice care at home, an important factor for Mellisa: “My dad is receiving home care with Gilchrist in the house I grew up in. I am able to be his caregiver, which means a lot to me,” she explains. While Gilchrist has three inpatient centers, most hospice care is delivered wherever the patient calls home, focusing on comfort and dignity.
In addition to caring for the patient, Gilchrist offers support to the patient’s caregiver and family. The dedicated team of nurses, social workers, and therapists provides medical care as well as emotional and psychological support to patients and family members. “God bless GBMC and Gilchrist. When the doctor mentioned hospice care, I chose Gilchrist because of their excellent reputation. We were approved, and he started receiving care in March. The team has been wonderful, kind, and understanding, reminding me that Gilchrist is there for both my dad and me,” Mellisa shares.
One of Ronald’s most touching experiences was recently participating in Gilchrist’s Salute to Service, which honors hospice patients who are veterans. On June 14, Flag Day and the Army’s birthday, Ronald was celebrated in a special ceremony organized by the Gilchrist Veteran Task Force and the Gilchrist team. The event featured a music therapist who led the gathering in patriotic songs, and each serviceman present shared heartfelt words of gratitude and recognition.
Ronald received several certificates, pins, and a red, white, and blue lap blanket during the salute. Mellisa also received a pin and a flag scarf as a family member of a veteran. Seeing her father stand and salute his fellow soldiers was a special moment for Mellisa. “It was a monumental day, and seeing my dad honored and standing to salute his fellow soldiers was beautiful,” she reflects. She shares that her father still proudly carries his certificates and wears his army cap, cherishing the memories of that day.
The journey is undeniably challenging, but Mellisa continues to navigate the complexities of caregiving with Gilchrist’s support. Ronald’s story embodies the true philosophy of hospice care—centered on comfort, dignity, and support for patients and their families wherever they may call home.
For more information about Gilchrist’s services, visit: https://gilchristcares.org/