I think I mentioned that I was a panelist for a group of new volunteers last week, right? I was asked to speak about my experiences as a volunteer and answer any questions they might have such as:

• "Are you ever afraid?" - - Yes, many times. My way of dealing with the fear is to tell myself that if I'm not meant to be there at that moment, then something would have kept me from that appointment; or when making calls, the person on the other end won't pick up the phone if they're not up to talking.


• "How do you keep from crying?" - - I tell myself that if I cry, that puts the other person in the position of feeling like they need to comfort me. I'm there to comfort them. That usually nips it in the bud.


• "How do you keep from getting too attached?" - - I don't stop myself from feeling love for these people, but I do set boundaries for myself.

I'm doing lots of fun things for this Hospice organization, including trying to bring them into this century when it comes to technology. I'm looking forward to speaking for the Hospice Ambassador program and also looking forward to my next Story-catching assignment. My coordinator told me that I have to wait my turn because there are other volunteers who want to do it too. Meh. Next week I'm going to be on a panel of Story-catchers to share my experiences. That's going to be fun. It'll also be interesting to pull something out of my last experience that I can share in public. This guy was so much fun- but did have some very 'naughty' stories for an 85 year old man!

I received a note in the mail yesterday. I wanted to put it here so I have it to read back on when I'm feeling like I'm not doing enough.

Dear Lori,
Thank you for the beautiful description of your hospice work on Sunday to our new volunteers. The breadth and depth of your experience with Hospice is unsurpassed.

Your energy and JOY in doing this work were really uplifting to the new volunteers. What a delight it is to have you back "home" with [name of Hospice organization].

I feel so supported by you as well with all of your good ideas and willingness to share your expertise, technology know-how and positive spirit with us in improving and evolving our program.

I appreciate your time Sunday and all you do to make our program wonderful.

I *love* what I do with Hospice, and never feel that I'm doing enough. I always want to do MORE. I feel energized with each and every assignment, and that tells me that I'm supposed to be there. Yesterday we had lunch with our investments manager and I mentioned that I was on my way to Hospice House after lunch. He then shared that he's on the board of trustees for another Hospice organization. You couldn't get me to shut up about Hospice. I loved it that it turned from talking about money (one of my least favorite topics because money is not my thing...) to Hospice.

I feel like Hospice is home for me.