“Do something that you are passionate about, something that you want to do day-in and day-out to make a difference,” says Lynnea Andersen, Executive Director for Hospice of the Midwest. Lynnea is a social worker who has enjoyed her work in hospice care since 1998. Why did you choose hospice/home care? Lynnea Andersen: I wanted to help people in delicate, life-changing situations; I wanted to help create and preserve memories and make life special at a tough time. Most of all–to help families see that hospice isn’t the end, and instead, is the beginning to living your life to the fullest–no matter how long or short our time is. What is your favorite memory of serving a patient? Sitting with a patient who was nearing the end of his life.  I was pregnant at the time…soon to have my first child.  Sitting at his bedside, he put his hand on my cheek and said “you are going to make a great mom. The time will go fast, so be attentive.  Let me tell you about my first child…”  He spoke proudly of his daughter, all the trials and tribulations that they had together.  I walked outside the patient’s room to find his only daughter listening: “I have never heard some of the things my dad talked about; thank you so much.”   That was a turning point for me, and made me realize how important it is to be there for a patient — in whatever capacity they need you. What’s on your bucket list? 1. Live each day to the fullest; 2. Trip to Alaska with my family; 3. Trip to Australia with my family.