Bailey-

You have to follow your heart. If you feel a calling to help others through hospice- then how could I nay-say such a good intentioned effort to make the world a better place?

I have found that anytime I have tried to do something different- there is always someone who doesn't think it's a good idea for one reason or another. Thank God (literally) for making me strong willed and determined, if he had not, and I had listened to all the advice I had been given- I wouldn't have had nearly the beautiful journey through this life that I have had.

It's not that I haven't made some whopper mistakes in my day- because I absolutely have. But I learned from each one of them.

Bottom line- YOU are the only person who knows if this is the right move for you. And you won't really know until you get your feet a little wet. Just know that if you start- and then have second thoughts, that is okay.

Wishing you much success in this noble endeavor!

Makes absolute perfect sense! I believe for some of us the best way to push forward in our grief is to find something worthwhile to do that speaks to our soul. You will bring so much care and knowledge to this job that anyone your assigned to will be totally blessed. You are feeling a little scared but that will soon go away as you gain confidence in this new journey your taking. I bet your Big Swede is so proud of you. God bless you for reaching out to help others. HUG

Bailey, how wonderful, kind and caring. I also want to be a hospice volunteer in the future. Right now, I visit someone on hospice care a few times a week. We eat dinner together, watch tv, etc., and also I visit a neighbor who has stage iv cancer. So my commitment right now is to help them both until they pass and then will move forward to volunteer for hospice.

Take a page from this site. The reason everyone comes here is because there are others in the same boat. I truly believe you will make a difference. After all you can relate to what ever these folks are going thru. Follow your calling, that's all any of us can do. At least your moving forward and that's a good thing. Take care.
Peace, Tim

Bailey...Marylou worked in the health profession for years until she was no longer physically able...but even after that, she was always looking for ways she could extend a healing effort in some way...I know other people who do the same...you know me, Bailey, I've been a "gear-grinder" for over 35 years, and I think you can appreciate the admiration I have for the healers of the world...they are a special breed, because it takes a special kind of courage to take away the pain of another...not everyone can do it.
As you go forward, know that the world is a better place because somebody IS doing it.
Best of luck...God Bless you and the Healers of the world.

That is a terrific thing to do. You will have a compassionate perspective. I too had Hospice and met the most caring people in the medical profession. I believe hospitals could learn a great deal by using Hospice as a model for treating EOL patients, we were at 4 different medical facilities and NONE of them addressed the horrible pain of cancer. They continually waited untill pain was out of control then used Delauded and knocked my husband out. One md told me "a certain amount of pain is expected with cancer". Hospice was so loving and gentle with excellent attention to his care. He died peacefully after much suffering.

I think it's wonderful that you want to work offering respite care and eventually with Hospice. The work will be very rewarding, and you will meet new people that will be very appreciative of your help. It's another step forward on your journey and living your life with purpose. Good luck to you.
Lori

Bailey, It's hard for me to get a handle on how things are going to affect this grief of mine sometimes. But I can tell you this truism I learned before Juanita got sick -- when we help others or do something kind for them, we step outside of ourselves, get out of our head (the most dangerous place for me), and we feel better about ourselves. And it helps me to realize that there a lot of people out there that have it way worse than I ever did. And guess what? At the end of the day, you feel good and you might just find that spring in your step again. And like everything else to all of now, there is no downside. The worst that could possibly happen to us already has. God bless you my friend ~~~ Scottie

I agree with all previous comments: this is going to be a good move for you, Bailey. You will truly understand the feelings of those you are ministering to and I'm sure it will be a rewarding occupation.
Wishing you the best - Doye

Proud of you :)