Hospice volunteering is a privilege

Lynn Catley shares what hospice means to her.

Hospice volunteer Annette VanDeKreeke wrote in a letter to the editor: "It’s the same response every time – whenever someone finds out I’m a hospice volunteer, the first thing they say is, 'I could never do that; it would be too depressing.'

I usually smile and answer them with, 'You’d be surprised how much the opposite is true.' People who are involved in hospice know that every life comes with an expiration date – they witness it daily. It’s always sad when a soul passes from this world, and it sounds cliché but for some it is truly a blessing – an end to pain, loneliness, fear and worry.

I view hospice volunteering as an honor and a privilege. These clients and their families are going through possibly the toughest time in their lives and as a volunteer, you can help. Most often, I sit next to the bed and read to the client, or we listen to music together. Other times it’s as simple as gently holding their hand while they drift off to sleep, knowing they’re not alone." Read more...