Volunteers' Stories

Mr. A., a newsman, taught me that a terminally ill person can will themselves to remain in this life with the anticipation of a specific event.

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...

As a bereavement volunteer, I helped a client who lost her uncle. She opened up after our conversation changed to Chinese. We shared that our Chinese culture asks a woman to be strong, poised, and accepting of grievance with grace.

I learned about Hospice from family members in other cities. I learned of Montgomery Hospice after driving past Casey House in my travels up & down Muncaster Mill Road in Rockville, MD. Now, I am an 11th Hour Volunteer. I stay with a patient and his or her family when the end of life nears.

As a Volunteer at Casey House, with each visit I have an opportunity to help sooth patients using the natural powers of touch and aroma.

As a Volunteer at Casey House, I serve as a Tea Time Hostess. During Tea Time, the families, friends, and loved ones of resident patients have the opportunity come together in a relaxed, home-like social setting.

There is a beautiful event that occurs when I volunteer to serve Hospice patients. It manifests a feeling that starts from deep within and wells up like a fountain as it rushes upwards and outwards to those I am serving. I call it love.

As a new Volunteer, what I hoped most to learn from experienced Volunteers was what interaction with patients was like. Throughout the initial Volunteer Training, the depth of each area we explored went beyond anything I'd expected or hoped for.