The Seven-Year Journey to Creating a Sacred Space with Kelly Sparr and Jace Cooley of The Grace Space

The Seven-Year Journey to Creating a Sacred Space with Kelly Sparr and Jace Cooley of The Grace Space

January 15, 2026 · 30 min

About this episode

The episode features a discussion on the beauty and dignity of end-of-life care with the founders 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: Kelly Sparr https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-sparr-895284102/ Jace Cooley…

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