Comments on: Meeting Mr. Greene—Journal of a Hospice Volunteer

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 19:44:56 +0000

Thank you Devra, for sharing your story and interaction with Mr. Greene. You overcame your internal struggles to be authentic and present with a person who needed just that. I also see your commitment to your friend Leslie in reaching out to persons with cancer and I am forever grateful.

By: Stewart

Stewart — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:21:27 +0000

Captures well the challenge and reward of caring for those who are dying.

By: MM

MM — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 22:38:54 +0000

This essay so beautifully describes the fears and ultimate joys of caring for the dying. I became a hospice nurse after having been a hospice voluntee while in nursing school. Hospice work was the hardest thing I could imagine doing, and discovered it is where I belong. Perhaps it’s true that the things we fear most are really opportunities once we dare to face them.

By: Dorothy

Dorothy — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:31:39 +0000

This speaks to me as I’ve seen friends and family members disintegrate before my eyes, and I, too, was initially uncomfortable in the image of what used to be to what is now. I recall thinking that one absolutely beautiful 50 year old friend who turned into the figure in Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” It took active thinking on my part to get past that and be present and eventually comfortable. I do that for others in part hoping that others can do that for me when it’s my turn.

By: Ellen

Ellen — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:31:04 +0000

The world needs more compassionate souls like Devra. Respect for each human is a lost art in today’s digitally cluttered society . I am hopeful that this post will inspire more people to do random acts of kindness.

By: kk

kk — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 16:29:12 +0000

Really captures what it feels like when you’re trying to comfort someone who is terminally ill. Meaningful care can be as simple as holding someone’s hand – putting your fear aside is much more difficult. Thanks for sharing your experience in such a well-written piece.

By: leeann

leeann — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 17:51:24 +0000

I appreciated the writer’s honesty about her own discomfort with Mr. Greene’s appearance. Yet she was able to overcome – such a beautiful vignette. Glad I read this, thanks.

By: calpurnia

calpurnia — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:20:18 +0000

beautifully written…look forward to reading more from this writer.