A Volunteer-Driven Community Hospice Dedicated to Compassionate Care

"It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes its claim upon one’s heart, as for that subtle something, that quality of air, emanations from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit." - R.L. Stevenson This is one of the quotes that I have read to clients before we begin our Friday morning “Healing Hikes” in the lovely Sheppard’s Bush.  This Wellness Program is designed for all clients who are able to walk for a least 15 to 60 minutes, and is open to Volunteers as well. It is an opportunity to spend some time in nature experiencing its healing properties. My goal as Companion is to try to ease a client’s daily worries, pains and sadness by leading them gently along the winding paths - observing, chatting and testing whatever limited physical abilities we may have.  We stop along the way to feel the sun on our hands and faces, to listen to the stream or birdsong, to examine the new growth of wildflowers in spring or admire the snow on the trees in winter.  It’s an opportunity for us all to think beyond ourselves and maybe “lighten our load” for even just a few minute. It’s a simple thing and yet for clients struggling to find order in the chaos of their lives it can be a first step back toward normality. Fellowship, quiet contemplation and sharing of thoughts in this type of setting is indeed restful and refreshing. I try to find an upbeat note upon which to send the clients off on the rest of their day, reminding them always to “do something for yourself today”. ​ Even though the rest of my volunteer tasks with hospice are not client based, they are always client-centred. I have been privileged to “try my hand” at any number of tasks. This has given me a fascinating vantage point from which to view Hope House. I have spent many hours listening to, and engaging with the professional staff members, chatting about programs and policies and writing reports and always, always planning for the future. The client is never far from mind. ​ It has been a wonderful experience for me – testing my abilities, keeping my administrative skills sharpened and feeling a part of a strong and caring organization. What my 17 years as a hospice volunteer has given my life is balance – a reminder that I am part of the wider world. "Begin each day with a little courage, a little curiosity and a little spring in your step!" - Doe Zantamata

In the nest I hatched there was no love no compassion, no happiness In the nest I hatched I was surrounded by abuse, picking, screaming,  fighting, pushing… I witnessed no happiness.   I learned by myself to survive I learned to be strong I learned to get rooted even though I traveled through streets through homelessness. I learned to see life even though I became blind,  blind through my father. Eight surgeries later many years after I saw again And this time I wanted to see the good and not the cruel I learned to survive, to be strong,   to be rooted I learned to be like nature Surviving the seasons. I chose to be strong on my own feet no ‘help” from drugs, alcohol in the street. It was a tough life   A blink of an eye but I learned to see what others couldn’t see I learned it the hard way Some broken bones, some fights But I learned and survived.   Now that I am sick and consumed by cancer as helpless as I might appear I am building a home in some hearts with love and care. I now have a loving home holding me dear.