Seeing first-hand the power of a loving, compassionate end to life, I became intrigued by the practice of hospice care. I learned that the word "hospice" stems from the Latin, "hospitium" which means "hospitality."

Trees are powerful symbols of life, even eternal life. In fact, it's considered a mitzvah (a good deed) to plant trees in Israel to commemorate loved ones who have died. To do so on Tu BiShvat is especially fitting.