Vigil Volunteers: The Twinkling Stars of Brighton Hospice
By: Becky Czoschke, MA, CPG
Those of us who work in this field recognize and appreciate that hospice volunteers are incredibly special people. No matter how they choose to give of their time and talents, their heart for helping at end-of-life is palpable. Whether providing companionship, helping with administrative tasks, checking in on bereaved family members, or visiting with pet therapy animals, volunteers make a difference every single day. I would like to shine the spotlight on one such group who embody the essence of invaluable hospice care.
Vigil volunteers are like the stars in the sky – calm, glowing, and gentle. We don’t have to look to know they are there, serving as beacons of hope and light for us all. We trust them with our wishes, seek comfort in their spirit, and remain in awe of their magnificence. Their shimmer ebbs and flows to feed our souls and their silent strength holds a place of tenderness for each of us in the intricate fabric of the universe. They are witnesses to our journeys and keepers of our dreams. Vigil volunteers are indeed like stars in the sky.
These vigil volunteers quietly enter in during the finale of life, providing a calm and attentive presence to people in their last days to hours with us. They exude the grace, beauty, and compassion we should all be so fortunate to be wrapped in as death approaches. They bring love, acceptance, and humility to the bedside of the dying person. Commonly, the volunteers have never met the individual or their loved ones. There is no previous relationship to rely upon but rather only a powerful willingness to simply hold a space of absolute love and warmth.
I would like you to meet three of our twinkling stars who watch over and illuminate the passage for others as they transition from this world.
Jodie
Brighton volunteer since November 2016
What brought you to hospice volunteering?
I remember my mom telling me about being with my aunt as she passed away when I was a small child. She spoke calmly and with a certain peace about it, not with panic or drama. I would hear my parents discuss friends and family on hospice while I was growing up. My dad received hospice care for a short time. I was very thankful for the compassionate care he received and the peace it brought to him and our family. All of these positive experiences lead me to want to get involved in hospice care and vigil volunteering with Brighton has been a perfect fit.
What do you feel you offer in the final days and moments to the dying person and their family?
A calm presence, a hand being held, a hand over their heart, prayer if so desired, dignity, and love.
What is the greatest reward you receive as a Brighton vigil volunteer?
Knowing the person is surrounded by love, and prayer if they so desire, as they pass is the greatest gift to provide and to be able to witness. Whether their family is understandably not comfortable seeing them at this time, or no one is able to be there, I feel so honored to be with them during this sacred stage of their life.
Michael
Brighton volunteer since July 2016
What brought you to hospice volunteering?
I came to hospice through a growing interest in end-of-life issues—including hospice, medical intervention and directives, death midwifery, home death care and funerals, green burials, and the impact of our culture’s pervasive fear and avoidance of death (not only as an event but simply as a topic). I was deeply influenced by the book What Really Matters: Seven Lessons for Living from the Stories of the Dying, by Karen Wyatt. I made a new friend who shared this interest, and we attended a related workshop together where we happened to meet a hospice social worker from Brighton. Becoming a hospice volunteer was the natural next step to putting my interest into action.
What do you feel you offer in the final days and moments to the dying person and their family?
It is difficult to speculate or define what I may offer an individual who is dying. Rather, it is largely an act of faith. I have faith that the simple act of being present is enough in and of itself. It is not about doing anything in particular but rather being something in particular—a presence that holds space for unconditional love and compassion. That is my goal and my practice, however imperfect I may be at it.
What is the greatest reward you receive as a Brighton vigil volunteer?
I believe when one finds the right fit for volunteering it often feels like one is getting more out of it than one is giving. This is true for me with vigiling. It is an opportunity for spiritual practice in real time. Not reading, thinking, or talking about it. Not meditating or praying. Actually living a spiritual practice of cultivating my truest presence with another human being for those couple of hours, again however imperfectly. It is both profound and ordinary at the same time.
Jordan
Brighton volunteer since May 2016
What brought you to hospice volunteering?
I first started volunteering with Brighton my senior year of nursing school. I’ve always been drawn to end-of-life care and have been interested in hospice, so getting some experience with volunteering seemed to be a natural course for me. I love being able to make relationships with people, hear their stories, and it’s such an honor to be able to provide comfort to people in their final months and even days.
What do you feel you offer in the final days and moments to the dying person and their family?
Going in to a vigil visit with a dying person is an incredible experience. Oftentimes, the individual is asleep and not very interactive, so we have to find other ways to connect and find comfort than having conversation or talking. I find giving hand massages, listening to music, talking quietly to the person, or reading short passages from a calming book I like to bring to vigil visits are all good ways to connect with people in their final moments. Even just sitting, holding hands, and being present can be such an important moment. Whether family/friends are not available, or needing a bit of time away from their loved one, it is truly amazing to be able to step in and provide comfort to people.
What is the greatest reward you receive as a Brighton vigil volunteer?
Vigil visits are always such calming, comforting experiences. Though I don’t often get to talk to the patients I go on visits with, the connection felt just by holding a hand, breathing together, and sitting together is always so strong. It always feels amazing that we are given the privilege to enter their lives and provide comfort in their final days and hours. There is nothing quite like knowing you’ve made a difference in such a pivotal moment of life.
Thank you Jodie, Michael, and Jordan for sharing your experience and insights. We are grateful to you for touching the lives of those you serve. Shine on!
If you are interested in current opportunities for vigil volunteers with Brighton Hospice please call us or fill out our online application.
For career opportunities please visit our Hospice Careers page.
