Meeting Emma has been one of the most meaningful and eye opening experiences during my time as a hospice volunteer through Athena. One of the first and biggest worries I had coming into the program was the fear that I wouldn’t be able to fully fit and respond to her needs, but after every meeting with Emma, I would not only learn the ways I could be there for her, but I would also learn how I could also show her that I was attentive and there for her. Most of our meetings consisted of us talking about our lives, family traditions, and learning more about what made Emma her: from her upbringing and accomplishments to the friendships and beliefs she held, every story she told us about her experiences solidified just how passionate and caring she was. Emma was very kind to us, and one of the things that really stuck with me was that every time we asked if she would be alright with us staying and talking, she always responded with that she would love to talk, but only if we wanted to and had the time. Although we wanted to be (and show that we were) there for her, she would still always be considerate of us and very interested in us, asking what we had been up to and busying ourselves with.
Emma had so many fun stories, and of those, we heard a lot about her family, friends, and Christmas traditions, and her vibrant personality really showed with every joke, laugh, and passing comment. Every story she shared and every joke she made, they only emphasized just how much she cares about others. It was clear just how much Emma valued not just the people around her but also the friends and peers she’d met and made, and it made me realize just how important and impactful the interactions we have with the people around us are. Connection has always been a big part of my life, whether it be through peers and acquaintances or lifelong friendships, and the time I spent with Emma has not only taught me how to be more aware and patient, but she has also reminded me just how important it is to connect with others and how every person has their own story, beliefs, and even humor, that make them so interesting and human.
I believe this program has helped me gain so much more awareness about what it means to be there for a patient and show that you not only care about them but are attentive to their needs and wants. Whether it be listening to their stories, sharing stories of your own life, or checking in on them by asking how they’ve been and if there’s something they would like us to help them with, this opportunity has emphasized to me just how important it is to remember that we are all human with needs, wants, and the right for connection and our voice to be heard.