“You Hospice people are so happy,” a patient’s family member once remarked. There were three of us staff members dancing to James Brown’s ‘I Feel Good’ by the nursing station. It had been true too. The paradox was people thought we would be sad surrounded by dying people. But my reality was that we were surrounded by living people who happened to be dying. And, for me, if I could bring comfort to the patients and their families I experienced both Spirit and joy.

I was talking about my experience of loss of my nursing career at a Soul Matters group. I was retiring and although both my back and soul let me know it was passing time, I was sad. The facilitator said to me “You should join the Pastoral Care Team (PCT).” So I did.

For me, the PCT gives me the opportunity to serve as a retired nurse. I have a passion to care, as best that I can. And although I haven’t danced to James Brown with one of our church members while providing support, it may just be a matter of time.

– Ahava Hopps Brooke