Reflections

Over the last several weeks, I've been making lots of visits to our patients with my volunteers in order to to oversee how the volunteers are doing with their patients.  Sitting in on these visits has given me the opportunity to see once again what has drawn me to this work.   

Over six years ago, I began my journey with Medi Home Hospice as a volunteer.  I had never been to a nursing home before, but my first assignment was to visit with two patients at a local nursing home.  I was very nervous at first, and wasn't exactly sure what to expect.  But after just a few minutes with my first patient and the volunteer coordinator, I began to see what a joy this could be.  Just talking and getting to know that first patient was such an enriching experience for me.  And the patient clearly enjoyed my coming into her room, showing a genuine interest in her, and allowing her to share her life's story with me.

But I quickly learned that not all my visits were going to be that easy.  My second patient that day was less responsive and difficult to communicate with.  But still I stayed with him, and showed him the same loving attention as the patient before.  And although it was hard for him to articulate it, I got the felt sense that he appreciated the special attention I was able to give him that day.

When I left the nursing home that afternoon, I can still remember the warm feeling in my heart that I received for having done something special; for having touched in some way two people near the end of their lives who I otherwise would not have met if it weren't for being a hospice volunteer.

Now, over six years later I still get that same feeling when visiting with our patients; only my role has changed.  And with this change comes the added satisfaction I get knowing that I have helped to facilitate the coming together of my volunteers with our patients and their families.  I have helped bring together the lives of people who otherwise would not have met.  I have helped spread the joy that comes from helping one another in meaningful ways.

Reflecting on this now, I realize how fortunate I've been to be a part of this wonderful service called hospice.

If you'd like information on how you can be a part of our hospice team, please contact me, Andy Wichorek, at awichorek@msa-corp.com, or (804)282-4301.  If you'd like to get involved but don't live in the Richmond, VA area, please contact your local hospice today--it'll change your life!