Reflection on the Potomac River Crash

Reflection on the Potomac River Crash 
Hospice & Palliative Care Today; by Joy Berger, Editor in Chief; 1/30/25
We are absorbing the heartbreaking news about Wednesday night’s tragic plane and helicopter crash over the Potomac River. Like many of you, I’m flooded with memories of flying into this same airport--delighting in the beautiful river and DC’s historic sites, the diversity among fellow travelers, and the city's adventures ahead. Many of these Washington DC trips were to be with our hospice and palliative colleagues at the NHPCO Conferences (now The Alliance). Today, I’m grateful for our many safe journeys and the rich connections we made in meetings, meals, spontaneous greetings, and our shared purpose. And, these current Potomac River tragic deaths can stir currents of our own traumatic losses. For me, I remember the pains of a beloved family in my childhood’s home church, whose adult son was killed in the January 1982 Potomac River plane crash. I easily feel the loss of my grandfather from when he was killed by a drunk driver. What are these for you? What truths do we glean from our hospice work? As news unfolds, may we treasure anew the unknown measures of our time on this earth. May we cherish our connections and treat each other with respect across our differences. May we, in our work and in our lives, sensitively tune into the often silent, life-altering traumas carried by others. May we learn, live, and give. Humbly, Joy