***Random Play
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Eliza Rickman: Gild The Lily
*Jason Mraz: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Celia Chavez: Sailor's Daughter
*Jon McLaughlin: OK Now
I'm thankful for all the service men and women that have sacrificed their lives for this amazing & wonderful country. I will definitely keep these fallen heroes in my prayers throughout this day.
Of all my clients, I gain the most satisfaction through my work as a Volunteer coordinator, fund raiser, and volunteer with Hospice groups. During my Senior year at University, I had to complete an internship through a Hospice organization. At first, I thought that such work would depress me. Little by little, I gained confidence to work as a volunteer. As much as I enjoy work as a fund raiser for various Hospice groups, the greatest joy is actually being with Hospice patients. When one is placed in Hospice, it's a transition from hope to the unknown.
As a volunteer, my sole purpose is to be there for the patient. So many patients want to cling to hope and miracles. It breaks my heart to be with a patient that is not ready to accept the fact that their life on this earth is near the end. It's not my job to argue with them but rather to simply listen and feel as though they're able to confide in me. It saddens my heart to be with elderly patients that either have no family or families that could care less for these individuals. I'm certain that there's a bigger picture but it's not our job. Social workers that work with each case, will do their best to share with volunteers as much as possible but it's still sad no matter what.
I haven't really worked as a Hospice volunteer since my Father passed away. I've volunteered for those patients that happened to be friends. Last month, a close friend accepted that chemotherapy was no longer an option.
I wrote about Jill in this blog post. I cringed when I received word that she was placed in Hospice care. I sat with her and we had a wonderful conversation that lasted for hours. She told me stories about each of her children and husband and asked that I share this information when I felt it was appropriate. I felt honoured to be her messenger.
Last week, while driving home, I received a call from an owner of a Hospice group asking if I was ready to work more in depth with their organization. I broke down and stated that I wasn't quite ready. I told myself I would meditate about this while relaxing at home. While outside by the pool, I decided to play pool boy. I checked the return basket and found a little dove stuck my the return basket. He was hanging on to life by lifting his head above the water. I will never forget the look on the little feathered one. I immediately lifted him up. It seemed as though he broke or sprained his wing. I knew that he probably wouldn't make it so I did my best to make him comfy. Long story short, he died wrapped in a little towel in my arms about five hours later. I realized that now was not the time to be selfish but rather to continue my work with this Hospice group. I look forward to upcoming meetings this week. After all is said and done, I gain so much respect for Life through this work.
As a Cancer survivor, I feel it's a small way of giving back. For whatever reason unknown to me right now, I am still here on this earth. I respect Life. I'm thankful for all the big and little things in Life. Every morning I wake up, I thank God, my Patron Saints, and angels for allowing me to give thanks. Take a little time and give thanks for so many things today.
*****CHEERS!*****
Current Music: Laure Marie's Wait
Curren Mood: Thankful, Love, & Blessed
