The Seven-Year Journey to Creating a Sacred Space with Kelly Sparr and Jace Cooley of The Grace Space
In this episode, hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter sit down with the heart and soul of The Grace Space, a hospice facility in Nebraska. Kelly Sparr, the founder who spent seven years bringing her vision to life, and Jace Cooley, a dedicated CNA turned nursing student, discuss the profound beauty found in end-of-life care. From the unconventional path Jace took from installing sprinklers to guarding souls, to the vital role of Pickles the therapy dog, this conversation reframes hospice as a place of deep human connection, dignity, and even joy.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
03:12 Documentary episodes help comfort families from long distances.
07:53 Seeing oneself on screen reveals personal communication strengths.
11:01 CNA work is a challenging yet rewarding career.
17:40 Pickles the dog provides comfort that humans cannot.
21:11 Employee retention requires personalized connection and genuine listening.
25:00 End-of-life care is a raw and vulnerable privilege.
27:47 Education helps normalize death as a beautiful transition.
Resources Mentioned:
Southlake Village Rehab website
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