Issue 3.12
As the New Year begins, I realize how fortunate I am. I work in a career where I am inspired every day by the people I have the privilege to meet and serve as a spiritual counselor and chaplain for Hospice.
Reflecting on the past year, many names and faces come to mind of folks whom I have served. I am awed by the loving kindness that is shown to me every day by these dear people. Many of them are faced with terminal illnesses as the reality of death approaches. They face these circumstances with a great amount of heroism and acceptance.
Living with such a situation can easily cause one to become impatient and ill-tempered given the circumstances. It is no small feat for someone to be kind and loving while living with a chronic illness or disease that causes constant pain, fatigue and discomfort. Often they experience and see their physical prowess slipping away. The onslaught of limitations may even prevent them from doing the basic activities of daily living like bathing, shaving and feeding oneself that most of us take for granted. Amidst all these limitations and restrictions, these dear folks remain patient and full of loving kindness, ready to receive me and our hospice team with open hearts. In fact, our patients seem to become more magnanimous the more their bodies are afflicted with pain and limitations. As their physical abilities deteriorate, their spirits seem to shine even more brightly with compassion, love and understanding for others. They inspire us to become better human beings through their gracious forbearance and patience that they show to the many visitors who come to see them.
It’s indeed a privilege and honor to serve these awesome people. I am so grateful to these folks who have shown me how to live well and die well with dignity. Their heroic lives are a continuing source of inspiration. All I can say is “Thank You” for being in my life. And Thanks to their families for sharing their loved ones with me and our hospice team.
Luigi Persichetti is the chaplain for Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice. For more information on Hospice services, contact David Isom or Debbie Cox at 435-634-9300.