Posted by blamethebanjo on Thursday, August 21, 2008
My oldest daughter Sarah has started a new career as a hospice attendant. She will be spending time with terminally ill people in this area. We were discussing the aspects of the importance of being there for someone in their last days. She told me they have a volunteer position that has to do with art and music. I told her I would be happy to help since these are my areas of interest.
I can't think of anything that would be more important than giving some small amount of relief to someone in that condition. As small as it may be any contribution I can make would be a great honor. I realize how difficult it is to get close to someone and have them leave. I still believe the rewards of being there for them will outweigh the sadness.
None of us knows exactly what happens when we pass away and it can be scary facing the unknown. It is something all of us will face. That gives us much in common. I would like to think that someday someone will care enough to spend time with me to help ease the transition as I enter that mysterious hallway that connects from here to there.
I will have to begin training soon and I look forward to meeting the ones who are on their way.
ragitty Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @9:36:20 AM
Both you and your daughter should feel very proud of yourselves, very well done. it takes a lot of courage
banjo_on_the_lump Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @9:48:58 AM
Darrell,
Bless you & Sarah for the gifts of love and your talents you are willing to bring to families living with terminal illnesses. My prayer for you is that God will bless you as much as God blessed me when I had the privilege to serve families through hospice.
Two very experienced hospice nurses, Maggie Callihan & Patricia Kelley wrote a book Final Gifts that validated many of our experiences at Regency Hospice. You & your daughter might have an interest in reading it
P.S. Music can also play an important role in hospice.
Banjo
http://www.music-thanatologyassociation.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Final-Gifts-Understanding-Awareness-Communications/dp/0553378767
blamethebanjo Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @10:06:46 AM
Thank you both for the comments. I will look for the book Final Gifts.
Kester71 Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @10:22:34 AM
That is a worthy cause. I have spent a lot of time going in and out of hospitals. I needed many a time for somebody to be there for me! Now, I look for opportunities each and every day to give kindness back into the world.
hammeron Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @10:26:24 AM
When my mother was dying, she was attended to by two very caring Hospice people. Our family believes that those people are Heaven sent and that their profession of Love and caring to others is a calling. The two ladies who were so devoted to Mom's comfort during her final months will always be remembered and so appreciated by all in our family. What truly special people these are who give of themselves so willingly and selflessly. What better gift than to give someone else of your compassion and caring? None comes to mind. God bless Sarah in her calling.
Steve Brown
Oregon
blamethebanjo Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @10:34:07 AM
Thanks Kester and Steve. I appreciate your words.
stanger Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @12:11:06 PM
Outstanding, Darrell! I think you are going to have a good time, and I know you will benefit the folks. I hope you write on some of your experiences as time goes along.
blamethebanjo Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @1:25:52 PM
Thanks Stanger. I will try to relay as much as possible without revealing anything personal about the people involved.
u k sandra Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @1:28:21 PM
Thats a lovely thing to do Darrell. I`m proud to call you my friend and I hope when my time comes, somebody will care enough to come and play music for me.
blamethebanjo Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @1:34:12 PM
Thanks Sandra. I appreciate that.
Cottonmouth Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @2:16:31 PM
Just before my father passed away, he told me that the folks that cared for him were angels. From him that was very high (pardon) praise, indeed. It takes a very special person to undertake that wonderful work.
campbelldb Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @3:03:30 PM
Darrell
Wish you the very best in this; keep us posted on how it goes.
Dan
blamethebanjo Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @5:58:30 PM
Thanks Cottonmouth and Dan, I turned in my paper work today so I should start soon.
dpete210 Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @8:20:21 PM
I have had the advantage of experiencing the value of the hospice program and have witnessed how thankful people are for those who serve in hospice program. My wife has been a hospice nurse for quite a while now. She was also very helpful in that role while my Mother went through her cancer battle. Having my wife with me by Mom's side and the advantage of her knowing how to handle the situation during Mom's final days was really a blessing. The ability to effectively function as a hospice caregiver is a gift from our Creator to the caregiver, then this gift is passed on to the hospice recipient. Two wonderful gifts. God Bless and Good Luck!
muntjac Says:
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @11:40:43 PM
Such a wonderfull thing to do. we are all I am sure very proud of you both. It is always a relief to know that there are still people out there with the love and kindness for fellow human beings at their time of need. A big Thank you to yoursef and daughter from the UK
blamethebanjo Says:
Friday, August 22, 2008 @11:38:45 AM
Dave and Ian, thanks for your kind words and support. My daughter has already started and I am nearly there myself. Keep us in your thoughts.
DHoffmeyer Says:
Friday, August 22, 2008 @5:40:03 PM
Hospice workers are the closest thing we have to angels here on earth. My best to you and your wonderful daughter Sarah.
blamethebanjo Says:
Friday, August 22, 2008 @5:50:54 PM
Thanks D, Very much.
Jane C Says:
Sunday, September 7, 2008 @1:49:36 PM
It takes a big heart to do that kind of work, Good luck to you both.
blamethebanjo Says:
Sunday, September 7, 2008 @4:09:43 PM
Thanks Jane. It really is an honor to spend the last moments of someones life with them. All of us have unique stories but there is so much little child that remains in us longing for comfort and friendship.
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