As a hospice chaplain, I walk with patients and their families as they take their final journey here on Earth. Some of our time together is spent reflecting on the life they lived, and seeing the world through their eyes.
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| The Gaston Family |
Not long ago, I visited a woman in a care facility. In addition to a terminal diagnosis, she showed signs of dementia. I re-introduced myself, and told her that she was in the "driver's seat" for our visit.
She immediately exclaimed that she was never comfortable in the driver's seat.
She was one of the middle children in a very large family. Life was never about just her. Without a hint of self-pity or regret, she went on to tell me that there was always someone else who needed something. Because of that, it was a lifelong joy for her to make sure people had whatever they needed.
Calm. Bright. Beautiful.
It is such a blessing to be invited in to others' view of the world as they look back on their lives.
Lisa Gaston is a hospice chaplain and United Church of Christ pastor.
