Testimonials
What does being a hospice volunteer mean to me? It means supporting persons and families who may be confused, stressed, fearful and/or sad in this life situation. It means being respectful of the stage (according to Dr. Kubler-Ross) where the patient and family are in the process of grief, even if it means they have not gotten past the stage of anger. I have known pain and depression; I can empathize with some of the emotions they may be experiencing. I am part of an extraordinary team who find working in hospice their life’s work. Everyone cannot, or does not wish, to assist persons who are dying. I can, and do. I do not fear death. If the subject arises in conversation, I can be reassuring to the patient without trying to convince him/her. Hospice is “about” the patient, not me. It is reflective listening and being a loving presence in the patient’s life. Of all the volunteer work I could be doing, I choose hospice in which to make a difference.
