Letter from Madison Gonzalez, Executive Director

When I first started working for Morning Light nearly four years ago, I’ll be honest with you, I barely knew what hospice was. 

I knew I wanted to work in the nonprofit sector, and there was a job available so I applied for it. I genuinely didn’t know how Morning Light would change my life.

On my first tour of the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home, I was stunned by the beautiful pastoral setting. The size. The comfort. The delicious smells coming from the kitchen.

But it wasn’t until I met the people inside that I knew this place was special. 

The staff were welcoming, caring. The type of people you would feel good about watching your loved one.

This was something I saw again and again as family members who were distressed by the fact they couldn’t care for their loved ones in the round-the-clock, all-in kind of way that hospice patients often require were suddenly relieved and at peace. 

But many of our residents don’t have family. They don’t have anyone at the end of life to hold their hand… until they come to the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home.

Where they receive comfort, care, and dignity thanks to our staff and thanks to you.

The residents opened my eyes most. The fact that these individuals were at the end of their life but still wanted to give back and would do what they could to make everyone smile was inspiring.

The way Dixie would help prepare chicken and dumplings for everyone in the kitchen…

…or the way Richard would tell jokes every day.

..or the way Denise would help with laundry.

It’s life-changing. 

The wisdom and insight they shared and the gratitude they felt for the basic human right of not leaving this world in pain or alone changed me. It changed who I am and the way I look at life.

And that’s a gift that you all gave me by supporting the Home and everything it stands for and the life-changing nature of community. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I have been serving in the role of Executive Director since July 2021, and I will continue to do what I can to change more lives in a positive way.