Disclosure: As a Pure Flix VIP Ambassador I was provided with advance screening of episode, as well as complimentary subscription to Pure Flix in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
When COVID first hit, like most people, I found myself watching more and more streaming shows and movies to pass the time while in quarantine. There were just so many books or games to play before you just needed to veg out and let your mind rest. Binging shows and watching movies was a way to deflect from what was happening outside the home -- no one wanted to turn on the news and see all the COVID numbers going up, and then the death toll rise, or accept reality, unless it hit close to home. I lost a few friends to COVID, and saw extended family members losing those close to them -- all without being able to go into hospitals or send family to hospice to live out their final days. It was tough on everyone. Even if you didn't experience loss due to COVID within your family, it was hard to find someone you know that didn't lose one or more people to COVID.
Most people in times of need turn to their church or fellowship to help guide them and get them through the darkest hours. But, that wasn't possible, as churches were also closed. Yes, you could have virtual services, but it really wasn't the same. You needed the close connections and in person meetings to really get a grip on what was happening not only here in the states, but all over the world. Everyone was hurting, and we are still to this day, trying to get back to a new normal, as it looks like COVID in some form, just like the flu, will be around for years to come, or indefinitely.
During COVID, our front line workers really went above and beyond. Nurses found themselves turning into hospice nurses, as they were the only ones next to the doctors who were able to be with patients. My uncle was in the hospital dying of Alzheimers and pneumonia, and we all had to say our farewells over a ZOOM call that a nurse was kind enough to do with us over an I-pad that made the rounds around the hospital, so loved ones could say their goodbyes, or at least tell those they loved just how much they loved them, as they weren't sure if they would be incubated or pass before reuniting. It really was a trying time, and one that I found myself reflecting back on these past few days after watching episode 1 of "Going Home", a Sony AFFIRM Originals series, which launched recently on Pure Flix.
While this show centers around a hospice center called Sunset House and a head nurse, Charley, and her team who help clients and loved ones tie up loose ends before they go "home," it really resonated with me, as I have close friends who are nurses and shared firsthand accounts with me about trying to help their patients transition, all while not having loved ones next to them. One friend would write in a journal all the stories that were shared with her, or her accounts of each visit with a patient, so that loved ones would have some sort of closer to help them grieve. She wanted her patients' loved ones know that she was present and provided the much needed love and compassion one would hope for as they get ready to go "home". Even though she, and so many other doctors and nurses didn't have to go above and beyond, especially with the COVID cases increases and filling up hospitals and then make shift hospitals, they just couldn't in good conscious neglect their patients in their times of need. I really commend all the front line workers who worked tirelessly day in and day out, and stepped in the shoes of caregiver, even if just for a short time, so that our dear loved ones didn't feel alone in their final days.
As I watched the first episode of "Going Home," my heart ached for Charley and her staff, as I know I could never do what they do without burning out or getting too attached to a patient. Prior to my cancer diagnosis and treatment 14 years ago, I was in the health and social services field, and wore my heart on my sleeve. I would jump through hoops and make countless calls to help patients and family members, just to try to help them and bring some comfort and relief in their times of need. But, then as I watched the episode, I could see that God puts people on this earth like Charley, and her new rookie nurse Janey, as they are his angels in the flesh, who make death seem not so scary. Charley said in the episode that death is a beautiful thing. At first I wondered how as it hurts so much when you lose someone you love. Then, as the episode played on and I watched the love between Tyler and his father Henry, I could see what she meant.
I don't want to give too much away about this particular episode, but I will say that it really is worth checking out. When you think of hospice care, you usually think of end of life and dying. But, it is much more than that, and the unsung heroes who help to make loved ones comfortable and pain free should be awarded and recognized, just like Charley and her team were. They do amazing things, and really make "going home" a beautiful thing, once loose ends are tied up, and you are at peace. With themes of courage, forgiveness, and faith, “Going Home” is a show you won’t want to miss! And, this first episode also includes an appearance by featuring Charisma Carpenter, who I loved watching in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel”.
She is an old college roommate of Charley's, who is looking for end of life care for herself. She asks Charley to provide her care at home and not at Sunset House. Charley struggles with this request, and it lets you see just how vulnerable Charley is, and how she has to put her faith in God that he will lead her in the right direction, to do the right thing, even if she can't see it clearly on her own. God guides her with Janey, and everyone who walks through the doors at Sunset House.
I could not have watched this episode if it wasn't for the opportunity to become a Pure Flix VIP Ambassador. I was provided with early access to this episode, as was as given a complimentary year's membership to Pure Flix to enjoy more episodes of "Going Home," as well as other shows and movies on this faith-based streaming platform. And, if that wasn't enough, I am also excited as I will be able to offer my readers a chance to win 3-month Pure Flix subscription, so that they can enjoy the Pure Flix content I am sharing about. Don't worry if you don't win this first giveaway, as each of my Pure Flix posts will come with a 3-month giveaway up for grabs, so there will be more chances to win, so stay tuned! :-)
To learn more about Pure Flix, and to sign up for this wonderful faith-based streaming platform, head on over to www.pureflix.com. You will not be disappointed with the content offered -- it is perfect for families to enjoy together, or if you are just looking for a way to unwind at the end of the day and want to watch a wholesome show or movie.
---GIVEAWAY---
Like I mentioned above, I am excited to offer one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader the chance to win a FREE 3-month Pure Flix streaming subscription to enjoy "Going Home," as well as all the other amazing faith-based content they offer, with more shows and movies added all the time, so you will never run out of things to watch.
To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: As a Pure Flix VIP Ambassador I was provided with advance screening of episode, as well as complimentary subscription to Pure Flix in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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