The Rev. Kelley L. Adelsman

The Rev. Kelley L. Adelsman, 45, of Rochester, is a spiritual care and bereavement coordinator for Heartland Hospice.

Her husband is a painter and a "gifted and passionate guitarist" who has participated in their church community musical worship for years.

Adelsman is a Minnesota National Guard chaplain, ordained in the Minnesota-Iowa Baptist Conference of the Baptist General Conference, and also does pulpit supply as needed.

Heartland, where she serves patients and families, provides care in private homes, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities within 60 miles of Rochester.

 
Why does your job matter?

Dying is a spiritual process. It is an act of trust that is mandatory for each one of us. I believe that we are to live in community with one another and that includes to not die alone, and to know that your life has purpose and meaning. Forgiveness and permission are important for the dying person to give and receive before they die. My job brings this to the table.  

 
What's a medical mystery you'd like to solve?

SIDS. Losing the innocent life of a newborn is a challenge to trust in a good and gracious God. We, as humans, struggle with the unknown, illogical and unreasonable. 

When was there a turning point in your life?

When I began to want to apply what I knew to be what God wants for me into what I did.   

 
How do you grieve for individuals you meet through hospice? 

Constant prayer with my God. My favorite verse is Philipians 4:6: "Be anxious for nothing, but through prayer and supplication make your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind." 

 
Why was chaplaincy of interest to you?

This ministry meets people right where they are at and helps to bring to the surface the spiritual issues, concerns and joys and be with them in those moments. Chaplaincy is wonderful because each person I have met is concerned about their meaning in life, their purpose and their goals. I get to sit in their house awhile and enjoy their company.

 
What are three questions to ask a loved one?

How do you want to be remembered?

What is left undone?

What kind of service do you want when you are gone?

 
What are some of the most common concerns during the dying process? 

Pain, purpose and plan.