A CALLING

I was busy raising my two children in my late twenties.  At age thirty-three, I took one night class and was immediately hooked.  I started out as a biology major as was, and still am, fascinated by how the body is always in survival mode. I did great with Chemistry, but Biology and I didn’t get along.  I noticed that so many of my elective classes were Social Work and Psychology.   It was then that I immediately knew that I wanted to do Medical Social Work. 

 

I worked in the Emergency Department for years and loved it. We moved to the Sacramento area in 2003. The only thing available was hospice and I haven’t looked back.  It is such an honor to meet with folks who are experiencing a tremendous loss, while being able to graciously normalize their emotions and feelings, while validating who they are. 

 

Folks so appreciate being allowed to handle their terminal illness their way; without judgment or fault.  I so strongly believe that it is their right.  Witnessing hospice does make one so appreciative of having good health along with unconditional, loving support.  All I can say is “Thank you!” 

A CALLING 

 

I have been so amazingly blessed 

as I have found a calling with hospice. 

Hospice recharges my batteries; if lifts me up. 

                    It is where I need to be. 

 

Our family has suffered a few losses recently; 

which can drain one so emotionally; so physically. 

Strain and worry have tremendous power; 

one so yearns for just having another normal day. 

 

We spent a few days at the beach last week; 

sightseeing, walking, and enjoying great meals. 

It felt great to get away; to experience easy moments. 

We did get a bit tired from fun, exhilarating days. 

 

“Would I be able to handle going back to work? 

Will I have the energy to experience it all?” 

I did two hospice admissions today with the nurse. 

Each visit, so graciously, filled my cup to the brim. 

 

Each patient so appreciated our visit. 

They thanked us for coming; for all the support. 

But it was I who also thanked them for inviting us there; 

while sharing their life; their hopes; their reality. 

 

My cup has been completely overflowed 

with love, appreciation, and thankfulness. 

It is so much more than a calling to me; 

as the greatest part about it all 

is that it is; 

                    My calling.