I was recently asked not only why I volunteer but why – hospice and bereavement.

The first thought that came to mind was, I don’t know!  I know I am not paying back or paying forward.

I am a wife, mother, grandmother (the best part), I have had a career, needless to say all of that gave me purpose.

Then came retirement, lunch with the girls, shopping, travel, cleaning closets garden clubs and on and on. I found all of that entertaining, with no sense of purpose.

A Chaplin I know suggested I become a volunteer with hospice/bereavement.

He seemed to feel I had good listening skills and knew how to” just be.”

Some people would say it was a calling. I took six weeks of training and an internship. I have been doing this for over ten years and I receive far more than I give.  When I sat with a very sick or dying person or I am with a person who is grieving a loved one I am in a sacred and spiritual place and I consider it a honor to be there.

I have a purpose, some people would say it was a calling.

More on this at a later date