I am satisfied and proud that after a year and a half of challenging growth and learning I feel even more confident in this chaplain vocation. What began as a genuine attraction to engage one-on-one spiritual counseling in a hospital or hospice has matured into personal and effective conversations to engage the most important matters of one's mind, body and soul.
Being 25 years of age and unmarried, it is a dramatically humbling experience to sit down with an 80 year old, married for 60 years and preparing for a life without the daily physical presence of the love of their life. But God is good and somehow always finds some avenue of spiritual companionship and presence.
Six months ago I was hired from part time full time. Nothing like health insurance to free me of the habit of checking 10 times before I crossed the street. But these last 6 months have extended the gift of chaplaincy to include serving over 45 patients and families plus bereavement visits with 10 spouses of patients who have passed. I am privileged to work with and have grown in friendship with my team of nurses, social workers, physicians, and other care providers. I always look forward to our our weekly interdisciplinary meetings where all of team sits down and goes over in detail each patient & family, updating their plan of care based on visits and respected feedback of everyone.
I have gained much. Over a dozen times families have invited me to preside over the memorial service for their loved one. A standout experience was this past fall in the peak of autumn's colors. This family has a cabin on a island in the middle of a river. We had the service outside with the family's collection of photos and religious symbols decorating their self-made altar. The trout were spawning and every 15 minutes you would hear one splash by. After the service I joined the potluck and soaked in the imagery of the grandchildren rolling up their pant legs and wading in the shallow river with laughter. Circle of life they say. And enjoying the current.
Being there in someone's last moments has been sacred. And I can proudly say that in a hospice care environment, almost without exception, every passing is peaceful. It can be a draining profession and I have watched co-workers of mine take time off or leave. I don't know if the Lord will have me do hospice work forever but I know I want to continue chaplaincy in some capacity in the future.
I am grateful to share this update with you and pray that after all your life's "orientations," challenging transitions, you receive the satisfying confidence of your own vocation. Until next time, every good blessing to you and yours.
