Caring for Dad

Bill T.

Dad's life on this earth was coming to its close. My siblings, their spouses, and I sat vigil with Mom. Mom did not know what to do or what to expect. She was frightened and confused. With the knowledge gained in my work as a Hospice Volunteer, I took her aside and gently explained what was happening with Dad and what was likely to happen soon thereafter.

I told Mom that even though Dad was in a coma, he could probably hear us. We talked of things Dad may need to hear to bring him peace. I suggested we all leave the room so she could be alone with Dad for a while, to say what she wanted to say to him, and Mom agreed. Shortly thereafter, Dad's journey ended.

A few days later (and MANY times after that), Mom thanked me for the things I told her during Dad's remaining hours, and how their last time together was close and loving. She reminds me often how much our conversation that night helped her "more than you can know".

When I first became a Hospice Volunteer, I did not consider that the things I learned about and administered to others would become the ways in which I was able to help and comfort my mom and my family.