I love a good story and my favorites are those which offer adventure, wisdom and strong heroes doing courageous things.  When these stories are true and told to me by real people, I feel I learn something which helps me become a better person. Such stories are one of the reasons I work as a hospice volunteer.

My decision to "reach out" and become a hospice volunteer was made several years ago after a dear friend of mine died from cancer.  The kindness of her hospice team prompted me to look into becoming part of a hospice program which included visiting those on hospice care and helping both the patient and their caregivers with companionship and socialization.  The job was simple and required little from me but my time and a listening ear.  In return, I discovered a vast array of wonderful people whose lives and stories were and are, an inspiration.  

For example, where else could I hear a story such as that told to me by my 81-year old friend, who though now blind and ailing, is a font of wisdom on the endurance of the human spirit through difficult times?  Born in Hungary, she lived through World War II, the occupation of her country by the Soviet Union and her subsequent harrowing escape and jouney to America. Though her life reads like an adventure novel, it is all true and each time I visit her, I marvel at her tenacity, courage and wisdom.  My challenges seem small in comparison and I think of her when I need strength to keep things in perspective.  

And then there is another friend I visit who lived through the Great Depression and teaches me now how to tighten my budget and live frugally during the budget crisis of today.   From another I have learned much about the joys and sorrows of motherhood; a subject she know much of having raised ten children on her own after her husband died while still a young man.  I have also learned much about the power of love from caregivers, often my patients' family members who selflessly serve both day and night.  If there are experts in the art of "reaching out", and "giving back", it is these caregivers.  

Other lessons learned: service to country as taught to me by the husband of a patient who served in World War II, genealogy and love of family; shared with me through stories and stacks of photo albums, the ups and downs of marriage, the joy of faithfulness, kindness,  faith in God and the value of hard work.  It seems that those who are closest to death are often the ones who rejoice in and understand life at its best.

So, if you are looking for a personal way to reach out and give back, being a hospice volunteer is a perfect way to serve.  In return, you just may wonder how you ever lived your life without these people who are gracefully and courageously moving toward the end of theirs.  For those interested, simply contact a hospice organization in your community or contact your local hospital to find one closest to you.  Then let the wonderful stories begin!