HOSPICE HEALING
I have had the privilege of doing volunteer work for a hospice in Hamilton. A counsellor asked me to tell stories to groups that were attending grief counselling sessions.
My first thought was, what type of stories would be appropriate? I have told stories to many types of audiences, but this was going to be a new experience. I took a risk and decided to tell some funny stories.
The counsellor warmly welcomed me at the main entrance. As we entered the designated room, she lit a few candles and introduced me to the participants. Lots of handshakes and a few hugs ensued. The atmosphere was peaceful and relaxed. I still had a nagging thought. Would anyone smile or even laugh?
I told my first funny story about getting into trouble in my much younger years. Smiles and laughter rippled around the room. Relieved, more stories were told and to my delight, a few of the group told their humorous stories too. Everyone was encouraged in their grief journeys including me and there was a lightness and togetherness in the room. The risk was so worth it.
POINTS to PONDER
Hope and healing are natural partners of humour. Remember the movie Patch Adams?
Sometimes the worst possible times to share humour are the best possible times.
We need to laugh more. Life is too short not to.
Take your book in Steve, you could narrate some of it 😊
ReplyDelete