I would like the community to know how fortunate we are to have Tender Loving Care home Hospice of Moorpark in our Community.

I am grateful that I learned about this home through this newspaper. My mother recently passed away in its facility. I lack the words to describe how thankful I am for the loving care and compassion shown to her while she was at T.L.C.

Although she was only there a short time, it made all the difference in her last weeks. My mother had Alzheimer's disease. We cared for her in our home as long as we could, but there come a time when we could not leave her alone at all.

In the final stages of her disease, the Alzheimer's home could not provide adequate care for her. I did not want to hospitalize her, and I knew that was not what my mother would want. She was nearing the end. We wanted her to die with as much dignity as possible.

When I called Tender Loving Care Home Hospice, they helped me feel good about my decision. It was an easy transition, and the care she received was superior. The staff was always friendly, concerned and eager to talk about my mother. They were able to medicate her so she was more comfortable, and even had a doctor that made house calls. By that time, getting my mother to a doctor's appointment was a major undertaking.

I couldn't be with my mother all the time, and Hospice made sure that other important things were taken care of when I was absent. I had mentioned that my mother liked to have her Bible read to her. They took on this thoughtful task, and even continued to read to her when she was comatose. Finally, when she passed on, TLC as thorough, efficient and compassionate in taking care of the necessary paperwork and other arrangements for me.

I wanted my mother's brain donated for research to the Neurological Research Fund. The timing was crucial, and the staff took care of everything. When I called the Social Security Administration, they had already handled that as well. In a time when I needed support, they were there for me..

The skill and training of the staff are excellent. Above all, the compassion they show to those they care for deserves the highest praise.

-Jeanen Calkins,Camarillo

Lighting a Christman tree and a menorah for those who are terminally ill and remembering those who have died, the Loving Heart Hospice Foundation raised money over the weekend to help people who are facing the end of their lives.

Making "Death with Dignity" Reality