MAXIMILLIAN KOLBE – Cancer Hospice

“Described as “A Gateway to Heaven,” Living Water Hospice in existence since 1983, continues to provide care for terminally ill cancer patients and those socially deprived. This summer I jumped on board to help make these individuals’ last days comfortable, peaceful and pain-free.

For most of us, the idea of death seems daunting. Where do we go? What happens next? are questions we frequently ponder. With endless theories and after-life experiences to confuse us even more, the after-life remains a mystery to the non-believer. But for those who do believe, we anxiously await that moment. On June 8th, 2014, Day 1 at the Hospice was something I prepared for. I expected the worst! Groans of pain, infected bed sores, weak, tiresome patients and “too” busy nurses! The horror stories regarding lack of healthcare in the country made me eager to contribute to a community that I believed need it most. As I strolled through the ward during the introduction, this was nothing I had ever seen.

Most patients seemed content, not anxious, pain-free and well…..appreciative and warm and for the most part at peace. All ailments were properly cared for every day like clockwork. Even more surprisingly, during my stay, the nurses never complained and they did their jobs to the best of their ability. Was I in the right place? To my understanding of death, it should be quite a scary thing but to these patients ready to face it, fear seemed almost unnecessary.

Reflecting on my experience at this religious organization, I came to realize that the caregivers impacted me more than the patients. Each day as I arrived I was assigned a specific name to accompany for the hours of my stay. As the blinds closed we began cleaning and dressing sores tediously one-by-one. During some unpleasant sights and smells, the nurse would spark up a conversation to lighten the mood. I stood in amazement as I heard the stories she began to tell. In one of their opinions: “witnessing death is the most beautiful thing.” This I could not understand. To become so attached to these individuals, then to watch them ‘go’ seemed merely disheartening. As she began to describe the process, I could not help but envy the nurses that are privileged to witness it.

“In the stillness of the day, you begin to recognize someone else when you look at the patient. Glossy eyes, youthful skin, plump lips and enchanting smiles are all right signs for the anticipated moment” she explains. Within minutes, sometimes hours, the body returns just the way they were born, like a baby and peacefully, their soul withers away in perfect time and space. Taking care of them made me think about my own life and career path. This is what the medical field is all about; having that self-less nature to give care to all those in need, careless of the rewards. The simple touch on their shoulder, the funny joke to see that innocent and hopeful smile and the thankful look in their eyes when you’ve put all of their needs in front of your own.

These are the type of memories that stick with you for a lifetime and remind you of your sole purpose. For me, I have these and more.

Unfortunately, my journey at the hospice has come to an end and these helpful hands have been temporarily put to rest. I am more than fulfilled with my experience and contribution.

To the believers, that place IS real and blessed is the Living Water Community who ensures safe departure.