There is a phenomenon that occurs in hospice.
It happens amid the noise of the day
   and in the silence of the night.
It can sometimes be one-sided,
   and oftentimes without notice.
It can be effortless - it can also be hard.
And yet, a select few keep wanting to give more.
It is unconditional, without cost, and
   considered life's most precious commodity.
The phenomenon is love -
   given abundantly by you.
 

Thank you for volunteering.

1 John 4:7 (NIV)

Everytime you get together to make craft projects
   everyone gets a prize.
The patients receive a gift,
   the crafters enjoy great fellowship,
And we, in the office, get the hard reality of
   of death...
softened by laughter, life, and joy.

Thank you for volunteering.

Psalm 126:3 (NIV)

It's a rare quality when someone gives of their time
   to do office jobs that are neither interesting nor fun.
It's an even rarer quality that all of it is done with eagerness
   and a sense of pride.
Because you give so freely of your time
   we can devote more time to our patients.
Because you give so freely of yourself...
we witness an example of who we all
   should strive to be.

 Thank you for volunteering.

Peter 4:10 (NIV)

One piece of cloth.
When sewn onto a hospice quilt
   is a sign that someone has died.
The mere sight of it can bring one
   to their knees.
And when touched by someone
   who has been left behind...
Has the power to bring every
   memory alive.

Thank you for volunteering.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

With one phone call you give someone
   freedom to speak their pain,
patience to relive a life,
   understanding that loss is hard,
and encouragement to overcome.
And you do this with no effort at all,
   because within you is...
an endless supply of compassion,
   grace, and love.

Thank you for volunteering.

2 Corinthians 1:7 (NIV)

In hospice, we know that time is of the essence.
So love flows more freely
   and laughter occurs more readily.
But the time that quickens us to love
   also causes death to cut more deeply into our hearts.
Grieve, because you deserve to
Take some time with the memories,
   because you'll need to
And then remember that it was you who gave
   the greatest gift of all.
For when you touched your patient with compassion...
You forever changed their soul.

Hosea 11:8 (NIV)