Last year I decided to do some volunteering while I am in Florida because I was here more continuous time than anywhere else. I decided to investigate hospice for various reasons. I wanted to make a difference and make a contribution directly in people’s lives as opposed to indirectly on a board or fundraising which is something I have done in the past.
I received excellent orientation and training on November 2006 and passed the background checks and started seeing patients in January 2007. Every experience has been quite special for me. I really feel I am making a real difference in peoples lives and improving the quality of the final days and hours. Suncoast Hospice is the largest non-profit Hospice in North America and has 2500 active patience on any given day. They have great support systems for the volunteers and a very professional group dealing with many difficult circumstances with care and compassion.
I think being available to comfort and listen to people at this stage in their life is a real gift for me. Each person has a unique story and a unique way of approaching things. I find it quite a learning experience and has helped get rid of many preconcieved notions. However one thing I find is that the every transition is a spiritual experience for me. We are all so beauiful and complex.
