Sunset

A new chapter of my life began last night.  I enrolled in nine weeks of volunteer training for Hospice.  My decision was not made lightly or quickly.  For some time now, I have been thinking about the meaning of my life and how I might give back for all the riches I have enjoyed.

 Our society has such fear of death, so many preconceived notions and rituals of avoidance.  Whether the end is brought about through terminal illness or simply age, we tend to want to rush through the final act and move back to our comfort zone.

My own experience with Hospice for family members taught me a deep respect for the people who volunteered.  They gave their time and knowledge with no known reward; to help the family and the patient face what we all will someday come to – the end of life on this earth.

Nine women showed up last night for the preliminary meeting.  Nine people from all walks of life with nothing more than a curiosity to learn and a desire to give.  We will meet every Monday night to explore our own feelings about death and dying and to learn how to ease the journey for others.

On my way home, I stopped to take a photo of the sun setting over Mt. Monadnock.  If you look closely, there are jet streams off to the left of the photo.  It is  difficult to decipher but at first glance it seemed to be the letters “C” and  “Y.”  See why?