I AM

The moment I knew I wanted to major in Social Work, I also knew I wanted to do Medical Social Work. For whatever reason, I have always been interested in death and dying. Working in the Emergency Room at the start of my career, I daily worked with families after a sudden death. It was in those moments that I felt I made such a difference. One sees the relief on people's faces when you say that you are there for as long as they need you to be.

Hospice continually fills my cup up to the brim. Patients and families are so relieved after we explain our hospice support. Our goal is to give the patient and family the support to do their journey in their own way. The rewards return a thousand fold back to us as hospice workers.

Today I received multiple accolades from my social work peers and my supervisor. I will now be meeting up with the social workers on a weekly basis to do supervision in order for them to retain the counseling hours to earn their license (LCSW). Their responses blew me away. They all were so thankful that I will be doing this for them. Their words and kindness overwhelmed me.

It made me realize that this is another wonderful and supportive reason why I love doing hospice work so much. It comes naturally and I truly realize that it is my gift. The wonderful part is that I can also give back to my wonderful co-workers. Another, “Thank you God for all that you have given me.”


I AM

I am deeply aware of my blessings;
being thankful for all that I have.
Grateful for all whom embrace my life.
          That is just who I am.

I found my life's passion
in the hospice work that I do.
It is just natural for me to be there
meeting amazing folks along the way.

The rewards come from patients and families,
thanking us for all that we do.
Our listening, our comfort, our hearts.
Those gifts return to us a thousand fold.

Today I received an another amazing gift.
Not from a patient or a family,
but, wonderfully, from my peers
with whom I daily work side by side.

Their admiration; their praise
acknowledging the insight that I have.
Their kindness validates
what I have known all along;

"I am truly
          where I need to be".