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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (March 7, 2003)
march 7^200aji “To be them in their final days of their life is an incredible experience. I always feel like I get back more than I give. ” It is, longtime volunteer Estes says, “an incredible show of respect.” Barham, a volunteer for 111/2 years, describes it as a chance to “put closure to, and complete the circle of, the relationship developed with that person.” Bryant calls it “a chance to give hack the dignity that this disease robs from peo ple and at the same time —Ben Estes make us all a hit more human.” Siebert says it is a sometimes overwhelm ing emotional experience. She shares a story about a young volunteer who had just started giving of her time. She was on duty the day a man who many at Our House had grown close to—and who was fortunate to he sur rounded by his extended family— passed away. Siebert made sure the new volunteer realized she did not have to take part in the ceremony, but she chose to he involved. As the body was taken out, a larger than normal “circle” formed. In the midst were the man’s young nephews, who were outwardly very emotional. Everyone, obviously, was in tears. Immediately after the procession was over, Siebert turned to check on how the new vol and at other times she might sit and read the Bihle with them. St. Martin also brings Communion and spends a great deal of time supporting the resi dents’ families. “I am there to be with them,” she says. Death is a fundamental part “I. . do my best at trying of the human experience, and though more and more resi to fatten people up. I have dents are actually seeing their always loved to cook, and the health improve to a point where they can return home, residents seem to love what volunteers are aware that many of the people they come to I do for them in that area. know and cherish may soon —Deanna Bryant pass away. To help in that stage, Our House conducts a ritual of sorts when someone dies. This plays an incredibly vital role in helping volunteers cope with the loss and, just as importantly, in keeping alive the spirit of all residents. W hen representatives from the resident’s chosen funeral home arrive to take the body, there is no secretive exit. The person is placed in the traditional body hag, hut the face is left uncovered. Over the body hag is draped a beautiful handmade quilt. As the gurney is wheeled out, other residents, staff members and volunteers line the hallway and the walkway. All are holding flickering candles. Joanne Barham (left, with development director Joe Jefferson) says Our House staff treat volunteers like family unteer was doing. The young woman said simply, "It’s OK.” “It really was a beautiful experience,” Siebert says. s much as the volunteers thrive at Our House because of the contact they make with the residents, they also believe their interaction with the staff and other volun teers makes a huge difference in their lives. “I’ve met lots of people and made a lot of friends,” St. Martin says. “Our House is a very loving, caring and safe environment where quality of life is important,” Barham says. “Our House is a home, and we’re family. The staff and volun teers support and care for each other. They are the best.” Benson adds: "It’s such a fun, warm, loving, kind place to be. The people are friendly, and there is a strong sense of community.” Estes says: “I have never met anyone there I didn’t like. The people are wonderful." Sellers admits that as a board member she had no idea how long some volunteers had given of their time at Our House until she became executive director. “I was amazed,” she says. “I asked them, ‘Why do you come back?’ They said that they loved the place, that it made them feel good about themselves and that they made good friends. I think that says a lot.” And while the friendships with others at O ur House make a huge difference, the vol unteers also insist there is something incred ibly profound about being with people in Continued on Page 26 U nique H ome & I G arden db A rt , B Gins f & M ore & fc i » Living By The Garden 1X29 VK Ubarla l'uriI miì (1131141 2X7-1IM 25
