Journal of Sacred Work

Every person has inherent worth simply because they are human. This awareness keeps us focused on what matters most.

The story I am about to share involves caregivers, Diann Verdugo RN MSN Hospice Educator  and Julie Conway Hospice Volunteer and their loved ones.

Mr. C was a veteran who suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Hospice arranged for a trumpeter to visit Mr. C at home to play some of his favorite music. Suddenly, he awakened from his somnolence or as Oliver Sacks would say, he experienced, “A Quickening Alive.”  Not only did Mr. C become alert, he was animated as he kept company with some of the musical greats from a bygone era. During the event, Diann, who is passionate about her calling, put her photography talents to use and volunteered to take photos of Mr. C with his daughter, Julie to offer as a keepsake gift.

Julie, also Mr. C’s caregiver, was overwhelmed to reconnect with her father in such a profoundly meaningful way. It was such a beautiful, sacred time that left a lasting impression on Julie. In fact, so much so that Julie became a hospice volunteer after her father’s death.

Sometime later, Diann’s mother in law was admitted to hospice with end stage Alzheimer’s disease and the hospice volunteer was… you guessed it, Mr. C’s daughter, Julie. Although Mrs. V was confused, she had moments of clarity and she recounted stories about her life and family history. Julie, wrote down these memories and gifted Diann ’s family with these incredible recollections to treasure. 

The Hospice “We Are Veteran’s” program is designed to honor Vets for their service to our country. These ceremonies may include, a color guard in attendance, Chaplain Interviews with patients and families, and singing patriotic songs with the patient dressed in their service jacket and cap. All gather to listen to the Veteran’s stories and prayers are often shared.  Photos of the patients smiling, laughing and living a quality life provides a paradigm shift from the myth that hospice is only for the dying. 

Since then, this program has expanded for other hospice patients to share their story with the “Hear Me Now” program.  The session gives families a reason to gather and to celebrate. Perhaps it is the birth of a new baby, or an individual photo with each grandchild as family members express love. Diann shared, “These photos have a huge impact on families and create a deeply meaningful legacy gift that keeps on giving from one generation to the next.”

Recently, Diann and Julie reunited to record a Hear Me Now story together. Julie described Diann “As an angel sitting beside me” and with deep emotion Diann echoed the same description of Julie.

What a beautiful way to bring the sacredness of caregiving full circle.  Caregiving informs the unfolding mystery and mutuality in giving and receiving. For truly as writer, Henri Nouwen once shared, we are all wounded healers one to another.

Questions for Reflection:

• In what ways  does caring, protect and affirm our humanity?

• Patients may feel and experience an energy of healing in a way that transforms an ordinary interaction into a sacred encounter. Do you believe that in caregiving both the giver and receiver experience healing in the process?

Affirmation: We are the caretakers of stories. We highlight the many ways caregivers are ‘Quickening Alive” our promise to ease the way of those entrusted to our care.

Note: Link to the Hear Me Now Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/user-557823237

Liz Sorensen Wessel 

Artwork by ~liz