Tuesday 17 June 2014

Why are you a hospice volunteer?

I just finished editing the Community Home Support - Lanark County (CHS-LC) Summer Newsletter. It's on an updated version of Mac's Pages, and it's good for an old dog to learn new tricks. I have an updated version of iMovie, too, and the challenge is a bit of a pain. I'm sure you can sympathize. Anyway, here is our Summer 2014 issue (in PDF), dedicated to our volunteers.


The summer issue is dedicated to the hard-working volunteers at CHSLC.
I was asked why I volunteer. This is what I wrote...

Why Do You Volunteer

Why do you volunteer?, she asked
She said, Because I am retired
For those to whom much is given
Much, I feel, is required.

For some they toil and work
Sometimes, I escort clients to appointments.
I take notes, help them navigate their way.
Other times, I provide respite care.
Others they face their ills
Caregivers need some support
As their work is like climbing hills.

I've walked a mile in their shoes
Supporting those under the weather
Nothing more beautiful than this
Standing in harmony together

Pay it Forward is my motto
Illness cannot be predicted
When my time comes I shall hope
I'll find support when I am afflicted.
     © Jennifer Jilks

Everybody needs his memories. They keep the wolf of insignificance from the door. 
-Saul Bellow, writer, Nobel laureate (1915-2005) 


Just as appetite comes by eating so work brings inspiration. 
-Igor Stravinsky, composer (1882-1971) 

10 comments:

William Kendall said...

Good poetry, and a good cause to volunteer for!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari Om
Perfectly poeticised... YAM xx

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful post about why you volunteer and Hospice is such a great organization ~ thanks, xoxo

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

ps. A Creative Harbor is creative with photography and also has other pages with info about creativity.

Roan said...

Beautiful poem. Hospice is a wonderful organization. I have all respect for the people who step in when they are needed. It can't be easy.

Phil Slade said...

Having lost a good friend and neighbour ina hospice I know the voluntary work you do is a wonderful thing Jennifer.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

No doubt, many have been thankful for your efforts.

EG CameraGirl said...

Volunteering for a good cause can be wonderfully fulfilling. Kudos to you for your good work!

Hootin Anni said...

We are forever grateful for hospice!!!

Roan said...

That is a wonderful poem. I have all respect for hospice workers. They are amazing people.

Hootin Anni said...

This was super. Well composed and volunteers...actually, volunteers for ANY good cause is one to be proud of. Kudos.