Volunteer Voices
Mary Lock
I became a hospice volunteer because after retiring from Home Support I wanted a way to keep giving my energy to others. Upon taking my hospice volunteer course in 2015 I began a wonderful lesson in our shared humanity. I learned so much more about the challenges of living and dying and met other warm, open-hearted volunteers whose shared goal was to make life easier for others.
Over my years I have had the privilege of assisting at two grief group sessions. Hearing people’s stories of their grief, seeing their pain, their bravery, and how they cared for each other was such a valuable lesson for me.
Most of my personal volunteering has been at Willingdon Creek Village. I look forward to seeing my “old friends”. In giving them a warm and caring touch the warmth comes back to me. We share laughs, sing together and reminisce about their days. I tell them my stories, listen to their worries and frustrations and see their dignity. I have witnessed the agony of Alzheimer's and have held the hand of and sung to, an old friend two days before he died.
There is no doubt that being a hospice volunteer has enriched my life and I look forward to the years ahead.
Mary Lock has been a Hospice volunteer since 2015.
