When Goodbye Came Twice

Megan O’Dell’s family leaned on SBL’s Willow Breeze Hospice House during an overwhelming time of loss—finding comfort and compassionate care.

January 2024, hospice staff supported Megan O’Dell and her family through the loss of both of her grandfathers. The first of her grandfathers to use Willow Breeze was Tomey Long. He suffered from dementia and bladder cancer before passing away in May 2024. 

In September 2024, Megan’s other grandfather, Henry Bough, stayed at Willow Breeze at the end of his battle with kidney cancer. “It was a very difficult time for the family. We were learning to deal with the loss of one family member when another one needed hospice care soon after,” Megan said. “The Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice staff made my grandfathers’ last days more comfortable for them and helped us manage that grief.”

Megan describes her grandfather Tomey as a true gentleman. “He was very kind and caring, and he would talk to everyone,” she said. “He always had a smile on his face.” He grew up in Arkansas where he farmed before moving to Arcola for broomcorn farming. Later, he helped found Commercial Electric, Inc. in Mattoon, which he took over in 1969. Megan and her father, Mark, now run the company as president and CEO respectively.

She said Tomey was involved in the community, and he was an avid golfer. “Any time he had the chance to golf, he took it,” she said.

Megan’s grandfather Henry also enjoyed golf, plus he loved card games and comedy. “He always had a joke and loved making everyone laugh,” Megan recalled. “He could always put a positive spin on things and keep people’s spirits high.” 

Henry worked for a long time as the facilities manager at the Charleston Community Unit School District, and Megan said he was always a present force within the family.

Losing one cornerstone of the family was hard enough but losing both grandfathers within four months of each other was overwhelming. Megan said the SBL Hospice staff’s compassion and care during that time made the grieving process easier.

“There was a lot of fear that came with their deaths, and them happening so close together was very saddening,” she said. “The staff got to truly know my grandfathers and made them as comfortable as possible. Knowing that there was a place like Willow Breeze that could provide excellent care for them was comforting.”

She continued: “The staff also accommodated the family well. They made sure we were up-to-date and made sure we felt at home. We are grateful not only for the staff, but also for the space and convenience that Willow Breeze provided.”