The world is a marble heart and everyone has a small piece within. The heart is fragile, broken, and disgustingly beautiful. When I started to volunteer, my knowledge grew to a different level than I have ever seen before. Growing up, I was taught that death was a way to celebrate our loved ones by leaving mementos at altars, like during Day of the Dead in my culture. However, movies and media often portray death as this horrible end of life thing that everyone would go through. At Hospice, I learned the contrary. I was confused at first because I didn’t know what to believe. However, I learned that it was based on your interpretation. At Hospice, I learned that death did not have to be this unspoken, horrible thing that happens to people, but instead it could be a peaceful and positive experience. During my time as a Hospice volunteer I learned what it means to have important conversations, especially about end of life care. These helped me to provide comfort for patients’ needs and their wants. The patient I was working with, whom I will call Momo, was an amazing person. The experience of volunteering at Hospice was overwhelming, yet rewarding. As the days passed as I learned something new every time I visited. I tried my best to converse with Momo, but sometimes it was best to simply be there for her in silence. The time in the room with Momo felt infinite even if their life clock was ticking away. I loved and cherished every moment I had with Momo. I learned a valuable lesson from Momo, which was to have compassion and empathy towards others. Being a volunteer I discovered how to be more compassionate and empathetic towards others who are drawing near the end of their life. I learned how to provide comfort and support especially for Momo, but also that sometimes it was best to not do anything at all, which could also be seen as helping.
I remember walking into Momo’s room for the first time as if it happened yesterday. Momo was holding a book in one hand and a teddy bear on her bed with the other. I introduced myself as a Hospice volunteer, and she nodded before settling in to read her book. As her eyes grew sleepy, I helped put the book away and covered her with a blanket. I adjusted the teddy bear for her to hug, and she fell asleep. For most people, this might seem like an insignificant event, but at Hospice, if a patient falls asleep with a volunteer, it means that they trust them enough to feel safe.
At the end of my first visit I was having mixed feelings about my first day with Momo. I felt as if I did not do much to help Momo. I wrote a self reflection page in my journal a few days later and I realized that what I thought as nothing possibly meant the world for Momo. Although Momo may not remember it in the days to come, because of her condition, I will remember her. Through Momo, I learned more about myself, like my values, and beliefs of the world. I gained a better perspective of the purpose and meaning in life for me and for others. I will treasure my time spent volunteering at Hospice. I am grateful for this enriching experience.