Hospice

Well after 8 weeks of classroom training I finally got my first hands-on experience with hospice patients. Last Friday I met with my mentor at Angela Hospice. He will be training me for a couple of months till I feel ready to go on my own. Currently I'm not sure what all I can do but am looking forward to the experience. I can't describe how moving it is to be able to help others in need especially at the end of life. My mentor has so much compassion for these people and other volunteers. It's hard to put into words but the night was filled with emotions that seemed to bubble up inside. At times I wanted to cry but they where more like tears of compassion and love that I felt for the patient, staff and volunteers. I feel this opportunity will not only allow me to help others in need but will also help me inside. I have not even come close to the realization of what changes are in store for me. Part of the reason for volunteering  was to give back and help others but of course there is that part for me. The part of learning about death, learning to be compassionate, being able to hold a dying persons hand and not being afraid. One day I will be a different person, one filled with joy and love and a knowing of death.  To be able to open the door and welcome Yama!