HOW CAN YOU?

I have worked in hospice for over fifteen years. The rewards are so amazing as each day we get told that we made a difference today. Often we get asked, “How can you do this work?” I believe that most ask as they remember their grief when a loved one of theirs died. When someone you love is on hospice, your emotions are so strong while you feel such pain. It is hard to function as oftentimes one can feel overwhelmed. I have had family and a few friends on hospice and my first reaction is always, “What can I do?” I didn’t know what the first step was, even though I work in this field. Emotions are so powerful.

It does take a lot of heart to do this work, but the rewards are so amazing. The look of relief on faces or those special thank you words make it all worthwhile. We all can see and feel what is coming in, but do not see what we give out. In hospice, we get told frequently how much we helped just by being there and listening to their words.

We had “Tom” scheduled to open to hospice today. Tom’s wife, “Valerie”, called hospice early this morning to say that Tom had died last night. I gave Valerie a call to offer condolences and support. I listened to her story about Tom and their family. There are several young grandchildren who are also grieving their grandpa. I educated her on children’s grief and shared some ways to give them support.

At the end of our conversation was when I knew I made a difference to her by what she said. Our phone conversation is a perfect example of why I can do hospice. It is my life’s mission as I often think, “How can I not continue to do this work?” I am so honored and blessed.


HOW CAN YOU?

We get asked frequently,
"How can you do what you do?
Don't you get depressed?
It must be so hard on you."

We meet the most amazing people
who welcome us into their homes
to share such intimate moments
while gratefully thanking us.

The rewards are a thousand-fold,
hearing you made a difference today.
“Thank you for listening to us.
Thank you for your care.”

We were scheduled to open him to hospice today.
I called her knowing he died last night.
She spoke about her experience; her grief.
“As sad as it is, we were gifted at the opportunity
to share our feelings with him.”

I validated her emotions; I normalized her grief.
It was humbling as I know I made a difference when she said,
“You are an amazing person.
Your words are magical.”

The rewards are a thousand-fold,
knowing they too made a difference today.
As we can also say to them,
“Thank you for listening to us.
Thank you for your care.”