As a Hospice at Home volunteer, I’ve been asked to do a number of things to help families. I’ve taken people to doctor’s appointments. I’ve made friendly visits and I’ve just sat and listened.

George was one of the people that I visited for over a year. He lived in a nursing home. He said that all of his friends had died and that most of his family had too. We enjoyed each other’s company and always had a laugh about something. I think the highlight of George’s week was on Thursday when I came. One week he asked if I would bring him a beer. Next week when I came, I brought a can of beer. We shared it…well I’m not sure that he had more than two sips. But, having a beer with a buddy meant the world to him. After that, we shared a beer each week.

What I have learned is that in the end, what really matters and what makes the difference to someone, is taking the time to be there, to hold a hand, to give support, to just slow down and to share the moment.