While volunteering at AGH, I have learned and gained a lot of insight into people’s everyday suffering and the rite of passage that begins the moment we are born: Death. As a natural occurrence, it manifests differently for each person. It should not be feared but rather accepted as an essential component of the journey through life.
A rite of passage is the transformation of an individual from one state of personhood to another. This journey is characterized through three stages: separation, transition, and finally, reaggregation. The transition phase encompasses liminality: a vague state where customary divisions and rules are suspended.
I’ve discovered that life is more complicated than just accepting death. I understand that we all live and die, but I believe in liminality that exists in the in-between.
My hospice patient suffered from respiratory illness and was blessed to have family around her during each step of her passage. I met my patient’s daughter, grandchildren, cousins, husband, and family friends. I was able to have emotionally charged conversations where we could express our feelings just by looking at each other and using tone of voice. At first, the idea of supporting a patient who was nonverbal in front of numerous family members terrified me. However, we bonded through music, watching a football game she would’ve enjoyed, and reading the bible.
From her family, I’ve learned that memories play a crucial role in life. During the liminal phase, life is lived through memories- both the person’s own and those of others who have known the individual.
Before I began volunteering, my primary experience with aging and illness revolved around finding ways to combat them. As a veterinary and laboratory technician in my spare time, I investigate the gene pathways that underlie the transitional states of our bodies under the Aging Institute. Each week I would receive a list detailing the mice that required attention- tag numbers, age, location, and conditions were all noted. My routine was straightforward: entering the lab, fulfilling my tasks, and departing.
Adding hospice volunteering to my weekly schedule exposed me to a stark difference in the world of medicine. Much like the mice, hospice patients were described by name, age, location, and condition. However what struck me profoundly was how different my experiences were. I saw the rebirth of humanity and emotions within the medical sphere, leading me to realize that aging and death are not enemies to be fought against but normal parts of life.
This change in viewpoint has been invaluable, emphasizing the value of holistic care as well as the restoration of compassion in situations involving end of life.
The hospice program has reinforced my desire to become a physician, and especially to work in a healthcare system that takes hospice care into a holistic approach. I have become more passionate about caring for patients near death. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone in this program for their support in making this program come to life.