At 89 years old, George Mitchell had lived a full life. A retired horticulturist and devoted grandfather of six, his happiest moments were always spent in the garden — hands in the soil, tending to his roses, and watching the seasons change.
When George came to Serenity Hospice after his cancer diagnosis, his condition had advanced, but his spirit hadn’t dimmed. Though he no longer had the strength to walk unassisted, he often spoke about how much he missed feeling the sun on his face and the smell of fresh earth.
Our hospice team listened.
With help from the nursing staff, volunteers, and George’s family, we transformed a quiet corner of the facility into “George’s Garden” — a small raised-bed haven of marigolds, herbs, and yes, roses. On a warm afternoon in early March, George was wheeled outside under a sun hat, a trowel in hand, and a smile that hadn’t been seen in weeks.
He spent the afternoon with his granddaughter planting seeds and telling stories about the botanical gardens he helped design decades ago. For a few precious hours, the pain faded, replaced by laughter, love, and legacy.
George passed peacefully a week later, surrounded by family, but not before he got to see the first sprouts peek through the soil.
His daughter told us, “Dad didn’t just die with dignity. He lived with joy until the end. Thank you for making that possible.”
At Serenity Hospice, we believe every moment matters. George’s story reminds us that compassion, connection, and a touch of nature can bring light even to the most difficult goodbyes.