23 Comments
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Crystal Decker's avatar

Jim, thank you for sharing this deeply personal reflection and for offering such an honest glimpse into the experiences that shape your voice and work. I look forward to following this journey and learning from your writing. What a powerful opening!

Robert Porche's avatar

Incredible bio, Jim! Over the two decades I've known you, I've became aware of a lot of this, but only peripherally. The depth of your journey is really honest, really thought-provoking, and really...well, real. Like many many others, I appreciate you and thank you for for sharing yourself.

Jim Parker's avatar

Thanks very much, Robert. We all have our stories, and I am sure you have some too. Hope to see you again soon!

James Warda's avatar

Thank you, Jim. Your vulnerability and kindness is so powerful -- and so needed -- especially now.

Igal Ladabaum's avatar

Thanks Jim for showing us the strength and impact of vulnerability. We all have a story, and while I've always admired and chuckled at your signature bio "Swashbuckling feats of high adventure bring a joyful tear to his salty eye. A Chicago-based journalist who has covered health care and public policy since 2000, his personal interests include fire performance, the culinary arts, literature and general geekery," I've had a hunch there was a depth supporting the wit, and now we got to see it thanks to your generosity.

Jim Parker's avatar

I really appreciate your kind words, Igal. Glad you get a kick out of the bio. There is a method to the madness. It's unusual so people remember it, and thus better remember who I am. It works!

Rich Cruz's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story... much of which I know well, of course. Some of which, however, I did not and now feel grateful to know.

Jim Parker's avatar

Thanks so much, Rich. I know you have similar stories. Here's to pressing forward together!

Diana Franchitto's avatar

Thank you, Jim, for sharing your story. And you're right, there's always a story when it comes to hospice. I appreciate your candor!

Jim Parker's avatar

I really appreciate your reading this, as well as your comment, Diana. Hope to talk again soon.

Jim Parker's avatar

Thank you for reading, Isaac!

Sara Nolan's avatar

Large lump in throat! Salute!

Jim Parker's avatar

I salute right back atcha, Sara. Thank you

Kimberly Taylor's avatar

Bless your heart! You have been through unimaginable horror. God bless you for helping to make death, the last taboo subject, a kitchen table conversation. Thank you for all you do!

Jim Parker's avatar

I appreciate this very much, Kimberly. I just hope I am making a small difference. And thanks for all you do, as well!

Rebecca Garzon's avatar

Jim, thank you for sharing your story. I'm so grateful you found Hospice News and are writing on Substack - you have much to offer and I find your material helpful and informative. I love that you have found a path that helps both you AND others.

Rebecca Podowski's avatar

Thank you for the honesty you bring to your work, including this piece. We appreciate the gifts you bring to the hospice world.

Jim Parker's avatar

And I am grateful for the gifts the hospice world has given to me. Thank you!

Charlotte Grinberg, MD's avatar

Very much agreed ❤️❤️ amen to the support, honesty, and advocacy

Jim Parker's avatar

Thank you Dr. Grinberg. Let's keep spreading the word and taking care of each other in our rough moments!

Michael Fratkin's avatar

Thank you for letting us in, Jim. The stories that define our arrival to this "space" are as varied as can be. Once we get here, we tend to see each other and to look for ways we can lift our work together. It matters to me, more than anything else, that human beings find all the support they could possibly need as they finish this life. I am so grateful to be among folks plying their skills and dedication to such work.

Jim Parker's avatar

Thank you very much, Michael. I am in complete agreement with you. Hope to talk soon.