My experience with Lifecare Hospice began in 2006 when my dear friend Ronda and I decided to train as volunteers. We were assigned to hospice patients in various nursing facilities in our county where we played our guitars and sang duets for each client, making every effort to find music to which each individual would joyfully respond.
Ironically, our very first assignment was a former neighbor of mine. It was such a pleasure and blessing to be able to minister to my dear friend in her final days; and it was a definite confirmation to me that this was indeed something God was calling me to.
Ronda and I found great joy both in sharing our musical gifts with others as well as in being able to do this together. Sadly, after a couple years, Ronda moved out of the area, and I reluctantly decided to continue on my own.
As there are few music volunteers in the hospice program, at some point I was assigned to just one nursing home to serve all hospice patients in that facility. The number has varied over the years, but I have sometimes had as many as 15 clients at one time. The length of my time with them has also varied; I have had clients for as little as a few days and as long as 2 ½ years.
It has been fun, and sometimes challenging, to find music that my end-of-life friends truly enjoy. It is always very clear when I have found a song that sparks a memory or inspires their hearts. Even those who are unable to speak will smile, or maybe shed tears, or even tap their fingers to the beat. It is very rewarding to be able to reach that place deep in their souls with music when almost nothing else reaches them at this time of their lives.
In addition to sharing music, I always ask if I can pray for them, if they are coherent; I’ve yet to have anyone refuse this request. (If they are not, I pray for them anyway, of course.)
Understandably, many are fearful of death and “passing on” from this life. It is truly a joy to provide some peace to their hearts as they make this final leg of their journey into eternity.
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