THIS IS SO WHY

I worked for Kaiser Hospital for over twenty-four years.  Half of that time in the Emergency Room while the other half in hospice.  I loved my work tremendously.  Spiritually I was led to Yolo Hospice eight years ago.  I wasn’t even looking for a job, but followed my heart and drove over for the interview. 

Walking into their lobby, I had no thought about quitting Kaiser.  Two hours after the job interview, Yolo called and offered me the job.  It was to do the admissions for their program.  I was a case manager at Kaiser which brings along a lot of responsibility and interruptions in one’s day.  Doing admissions gives me pleasure as the Admitting Department tells me the time and place of an admission and I go with the Admitting nurse.  I meet so many amazing people while getting to hear their stories.  I explain the hospice program while assessing their grief, their support and over all how things are going.  I then return to the office to document and then I am done and onto the next admission. 

I meet so many amazing, appreciative folks.  It doesn’t get any better.  The rewards are seeing grateful faces and hearing appreciative words routinely.  We all hear thank you so frequently, it is so wonderful.  I truly believe it is the little things that are profound.  We all walk in with our hearts while patients and families feel that love.  

This grieving husband gave me a priceless hug.  This is a perfect example of why I do what I do.  I will continue to do this work, until the time, which may or may not come, when it is my time to go.  I tell people, “When it becomes work, I will then go.” 

THIS IS SO WHY 

 

I, occasionally will get asked

similar questions now and then;

“When are you going to retire?

When are you going to quit?”

 

I retired eight years ago

from a job I totally loved.

I was spiritually led here

knowing it was my time to come.

 

I am honored to do what I do.

Wanting and needing our support,

folks graciously welcome us into their home.

Then thank us so deeply just for our presence.

 

They have been married for over fifty years.

An inter-racial, gay couple.

Becoming one in the prejudice 1970’s,

made them love each other even more.

 

His grief penetrated him so deeply.

I listened and validated what he had to say.

I didn’t say much but graciously

offered empathy and heartfelt support.

 

As I was leaving, he stopped me on the front porch.

He paused and stood quietly for a moment.

Then turning, he hugged me so tightly;

while trembling, he gently laid his head on my shoulder.

 

He was thanking me for my support

while giving me the greatest gift of all.

This is why I continue to do what I do.

               This is so why.