When illness comes,
what once was a flawless sky
becomes laden with pending rain.
Clouds begin lurking, spreading, darkening…
intent on swallowing the sun.
Thunder rolls in
on the tail of an erratic wind,
obscuring vision with the downpour it brings.
But beyond the threatening storm,
beyond the darkness,
beyond the fear,
is a place where the moon
flaunts his friendly grin
and, one way or another,
the sun will shine again.
Shortly after retiring, I became a volunteer for a local hospice organization. One of the services they provided was the preparation of a life journal for their patients. As a volunteer, I would spend time with a patient, gather stories and photos of their life, then organize that information into a book they could give to their family. I volunteered for several years, taking a hiatus when a new grandchild needed my care. My grandson will start preschool in the fall, so I decided it was time to get back to journal writing. I contacted the volunteer manager who said they’d be happy to have me return. I look forward once again to being in the company of genuinely honest, often courageous, and always appreciative patients who prompted the poem above.
This is my response to RDP#46 – Open. Sgeoil has challenged us to “Open your eyes…Open your heart…Open the door”, so I say – Yes, let’s do that – with volunteerism! There is always a cause out there that can use our help!
Photo was taken in the Highlands of Scotland
What a wonderful gift you offer! Blessings to you! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I appreciate that! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely post in response to the prompt! A life journal is a wonderful gift!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. They are always so proud of their journal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The end of life will come to us all but for those living it in the grip of a terminal illness it is awfully tough. What you do in your voluntary work is absolutely wonderful – a gift to the departing and a gift to those they love and have no choice but to take their leave of on this earth. I bow to you, Grammy … I am humbled by this post and privileged to ‘know’ you in this place. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Osyth! You are too kind… it is a pleasure to do something for those who have little time to do for themselves. I remember posts where you are equally generous with your time helping others!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
What better gift than a life journal and what better endeavor as a volunteer.
Hats off to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Sandy. I can’t wait to get started again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful gift for the people in the hospice and their families, it sounds like a wonderful way to volunteer 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t realize how much I missed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful lines. So great to see such a service for others…. nothing like letting them know that their stories matter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, their story absolutely matters and their illness is just a tiny fraction of who they are! Thanks Sumyanna!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was wonderful to read, very inspiring! So glad you like to write….. Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
…so glad you indulge me by reading it! Thanks much!
LikeLike
I love your poetic soul, & full of admiration for the heartfelt service you give to others ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. I appreciate your comment on the poem! Thanks for reading 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My goodness! Another blogger suggested I read your post today (I usually ALWAYS read your posts). This strikes a chord so deep with me. My post was asking for ways to help elders tell their stories. I want to pick your brain!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow – what a coincidence, huh? Anyway, why don’t you email me at linannwrites@gmail.com. I would be happy to share what I know!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful gift to leave a family. I would have loved to receive such a life journal from my dad. I don’t think there is such a program for volunteers here. It would be a lovely way to minister to the terminally ill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not all hospice organizations are able to provide this service. I am fortunate as a volunteer to be able to do it. It’s great for the patient, great for the families, and great for me!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your work as a volunteer is a tribute both to the patient and to you. A friend of mine volunteered for her local hospice for many years and I always considered her an angel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s rewarding and very much worth the time! Thanks!
LikeLike
What a beautiful way to volunteer and so rewarding for everyone. 🌼
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a nice way to get to know the “person” and not just the “patient”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a wonderful gift you’re providing. Touches and inspires me. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a gift for me too! Thank you so much for the kind comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such blessings at a time when most needed… Your poignant poem gives hope as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a wonderful service our hospice organization provides. Thanks for your kind comment!
LikeLike
What a wonderful way to use your time and talents. I’m a Road to Recovery driver, though the American Cancer Society and often take patients to their chemo and radiation appointments when they have no other way to get there. It certainly makes me grateful for my good health.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a great service you are providing! I’m sure they appreciate it. Sure makes you count your blessings, doesn’t it? Thanks for the comment!
LikeLike