"THANK YOU GOD"

A Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, I worked with years ago, had this amazing sign in her office. It simply said, "You don't choose hospice, hospice chooses you." That statement to me is profound and so true.

I have always been interested in death and dying for whatever reason. Maybe because I was born three months early and was not expected to survive. In high school I took a Career Planning test which came up mortician. During those years, hospice was not a noteworthy profession. My natural spiritual path led me directly to hospice.

We often get asked how can we do hospice? The primary answer is that the work we do is so fulfilling and rewarding. Each day, we hear in words or see on people's faces, that we have made a positive difference by our support. I truly feel it is my life's passion. I will continue to do this work until I can no longer. It is that special to me.

Today's case was a prime example of why I keep getting up each day to continue doing hospice work. The rewards are amazing and so humbling. When patients or families tell us thank you, I want to say, "No, thank you for welcoming us into your home, sharing something so intimate during such a heartbreaking, vulnerable time." It is an honor to witness so many amazing moments.


"THANK YOU GOD"

I have been blessed this life.
I talk to God every single day.
It is not prayers, but a conversation.
"Thank you God for all that you give me."

The gift of doing hospice work is amazing.
Meeting people struggling with a terminal disease.
Hearing their stories; giving them support.
It doesn't get much better than that.

People often ask us,
"How can you do hospice work?"
I say, "It is a calling; it is a passion.
The rewards so remarkably high".

They hoped Mom would be okay.
They hoped she would bounce back.
But the pneumonia was way too strong.
She is now imminent; close to death.

Meeting them for the first time today,
they were ready to hear what I had to say.
I normalized their sorrow; I validated their feelings.
I counseled all on grief and loss.

They gave me so much more than I gave them.
"You need to teach. You are so good at this."
"You helped me more than you will ever know.
          Thank you so much."

My eyes filled with gracious tears.
I am doing my life's work; my passion.
Driving away from their home,
I looked upward and again said,
          "Thank you God
                  for all that you give."