In our current society, it is evident that most people are uncomfortable with the topic of death. For a family, it can feel unbearable to let go of a loved one because the terror of the unknown causes them to hold on tighter. For doctors, death means that they did not do their job correctly … Continue reading “Thursday Afternoons”
My Time at Seasons
Volunteering at Seasons Hospice Care has been one of the most life changing experiences for me. At the beginning of this program, I was told it would be hard at times because the patients are at the end of their life and need some comfort, especially if death is not familiar. I have had experience … Continue reading “My Time at Seasons”
Lonely and Confused
Throughout the last year, I have volunteered with three different women suffering from Alzheimer’s, and in doing so, I have reflected on life and death. I think a lot about my own grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s, and how she has been incredibly fortunate to receive very high-quality, in-home care. In contrast, my most recent patient, … Continue reading “Lonely and Confused”
Becoming Comfortable with Death
When I first began as a hospice volunteer, I was largely unaware what hospice entailed. My own experience with death was limited; my grandfather passed away when I was young, but no one close to me since then had passed. I only thought about death in an abstract way, but mostly ignored the topic as … Continue reading “Becoming Comfortable with Death”
Love, Uninterrupted
Pauline had been in hospice care for a few months. She had advanced dementia and limited mobility. She loved to pet and stroke the stuffed animal cats and sit in her big chair in the common room. I had interacted with her a few times as I had come to the House previously, though obviously … Continue reading “Love, Uninterrupted”
Hospice reflection
During my time at Hospice of the Valley, I learned valuable things about life. For example, one day as a volunteer when I was taking care and playing with one of the kids, we were listening to the Wiggles song. I would interact with him by doing the same hand movement that the Wiggles would … Continue reading “Hospice reflection”
The Power of Simplicity
It was a great experience to be a part of the Pre-Med Hospice Volunteer Program and every visit was very meaningful. However, the one that stood out the most was the interaction I had with James. I had arrived for an evening shift and I remember being asked to interact with James. The expression on … Continue reading “The Power of Simplicity”
Thanks
My most meaningful relationship was found with a rather pleasant old woman who soon came into being a dear friend of mine, as she really taught me what it meant to give. I say this because she offered me, one who was a complete stranger, the gift of her life; the gift of her history … Continue reading “Thanks”
Finding Peace and Meaning in Death
Coming into my junior year of college at the University of Pittsburgh, I did not expect to spend a Sunday every couple of weeks sitting inside a church, eating pizza, and reflecting on death. But I am grateful I did. Over the 2017-18 school year, I had the opportunity to spend time at West Penn … Continue reading “Finding Peace and Meaning in Death”
Not Dying Alone
She cried out, “Mother, mother! Don’t leave me!” I had recently concluded our visit and was walking away when Ms. B began to wail these words. My throat tightened, and I was compelled to return to sit with her. Drawing on the volunteer training, I investigated her feelings by asking a few questions. Ms. B … Continue reading “Not Dying Alone”