By Staff
Cass/Van Buren Hospice honors the following volunteers: Sandra Avery, Barbara Baker, Penny Baker, Lynn Ball, Emma Brown, Susan Byrne, Dixie Cole, Josie Congdon, Nina Consolatti, Marie DeKoning, Dorothy Dietz, Ann Field, Charles Ford, Joan Ford, Sue Geresy, Peggy Hoiland, Donna Hoger, Lyle Huggett, Alice Hutson, Bonnie Katlun, Virginia Kraft, Virginia Kosobucki, Opal Krum, Ben Kurzhals, Tom Lehrer, Mary Massey, Marilyn Peterson, Lorrine Plaszczak, Marcia Potter, Bobbie Regan, Annette Rotolo, Bernice Rusthoven, Sally Schut, Sharon Shank, Jeanne Squires, Ruth Thompson, Jane Vaught, Donald and Margie Waite, Franklin Ward and Shanita Zinn.
Why do hospice volunteers choose to work with dying patients and grieving families?
Why would anyone volunteer to experience the grief of establishing relationships with terminally-ill patients, knowing that these clients are certain to die?
Of course, not all volunteers are the same. Each is shaped by his or her own experiences with life and loss, according to their family cultural traditions.
They bring their own strengths, assets and interests.
But to be sure, all come with their own motivations and agendas.
Perhaps the illness and death of a spouse, child, parent or friend has given them the thought that providing support and friendship as a hospice worker was something they could do, and do well.
Almost anyone who has publicly announced that they work with hospice has been asked, “Isn't it depressing?”
It is also assumed that working with numerous hospice patients would lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout. Not so!
These are people who have successfully grasped the concept that death is part of a process or continuum in life.
They are “old souls” who have matured to the point where they can accept death.
They can be companions for the dying. They are remarkable people who find a terrific emotional payback from hospice. One often hears them remark, “I get far more than I give.” It is a truly positive experience, very fulfilling work. This is perhaps why volunteers often seem relatively balanced, good-humored and fun-loving even in the face of inevitable sadness.
Cass/Vuren Hospice recognizes its many wonderful volunteers in November as the nation celebrates “National Hospice. Month.”
They are the heart of hospice work and to quote Erma Bombeck, “Volunteers are the only ones who do for others out of real love.”
Hospice volunteers are able to provie a place within them where others can be at home.
Do you have time in your life for Hospice volunteering?