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
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Living By The Garden
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l'uriI miì (1131141 2X7-1IM
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