For the past few months, my partner Gavin and I spent our Sunday mornings visiting our hospice patient, Lela. She lived at home under the care of her husband. They lived in a quiet, homey neighborhood located a little over twenty minutes from campus. I vividly remember our first visit. It was early January and … Continue reading “Reminiscing on My Time With Lela”
School: Bucknell
Finding the Light in the Dark
When I first joined the hospice program, I entered with hesitation. Explaining to people the kind of volunteer work I was going to be involved in always had the same response: “Isn’t that depressing? Why would you want to do that?” I was worried about how the program would affect me and if I could … Continue reading “Finding the Light in the Dark”
The Importance of Presence
On the introductory day of the volunteer program, our leaders had us go around in a circle and explain our experience with death. I immediately felt uncomfortable due to the fact that I would be soon sharing extremely emotional stories with peers whom I just met. Up to this point of my life, I have … Continue reading “The Importance of Presence”