Death was never an end, to me. Because of my spiritual foundation, I have always looked at death as a misunderstood gateway to another state, a new existence that no one quite fully understands. As I went through this program, I realized my one-sided and inexperienced perspective of death was deficient in much of the … Continue reading “Meaning in Life and Death Through Emotional Closure”
Not Just a Crossword
Death. It’s a scary word to most of us, with it comes fear, worry, and suspense. Once people become old enough to understand death’s extent, death’s impact, the fear seems to grow, presenting itself in various ways. When I began as a volunteer in the VA Hospice, I expected myself to be fearful, and I … Continue reading “Not Just a Crossword”
No Regrets
Volunteering at a hospice has taught me a great deal about death and dying. Before, death was always a rather taboo subject. I did not want to think about it. Even though death and dying is inevitable for everyone, I took the approach that if I did not think about it, it cannot be true. … Continue reading “No Regrets”
Eyes-A Deceitful Reflection
The eyes are but a reflection. It warps our perception of the world and is the lens through which we perceive life. Likewise, when we look at a person, we are never certain of the stories that lie behind those eyes. Even when listening to a story, the eyes that may seem to convey a … Continue reading “Eyes-A Deceitful Reflection”
Just Sit Down and Listen
As I begin to think about my potential career path, working at the pre-med hospice was the first step to help hone my career aspirations. One day as I volunteered there, I walked past a lovely lady who laid in bed silently, staring into the abyss through her glassy eyes. Her despondent stare pierced my … Continue reading “Just Sit Down and Listen”
Hope for Humanity
When applying for this program, I knew that I would be challenged and that I would experience immense growth, but I never imagined how transformative it would truly be. I could not be more grateful for receiving this life-changing opportunity. Although I don’t think anyone can fully prepare themselves for death and dying in the … Continue reading “Hope for Humanity”
Death as a Friend
In our orientation meeting we chose some words we identified death with. I chose the word “friend”. I felt that death can be a wave of relief, an exit from pain, and can be a friend to those nearing it. In my hospice volunteer experience, I learned a few more things. Death comes often and … Continue reading “Death as a Friend”
inspired by the end
What does dying look like or dying well or living well are they two separate things? i would guess that it is one process that we are choosing how we will die now we seem to pick paths without evidence without RHYME without REASON and if that is true what should we do what should … Continue reading “inspired by the end”
Awakening
Awakening I have had experience with hospice prior to volunteering my own time with Holisticare. My mother was admitted to hospice December 17, 2011 and she passed away 10 days later, only 2 days after Christmas surrounded by her family. She was 48 years old. “Hospice” was a word that haunted me, a word that … Continue reading “Awakening”
Overcoming the Relationship with Death
The concept of death was always something that I refused to let myself think about. It has never been considered taboo in my household or within my religion but the idea of living in a world without someone close to me always scared me. When I was younger, death was never something that affected me … Continue reading “Overcoming the Relationship with Death”