The wheels of the car hum as we drive across the bridge, they seem hollow, and they buzz against the pavement. It’s the only sound. I’m silent as is my occupant, a client whom I’m driving home from the Cancer Clinic.
She’s reclining slightly, in the passenger seat beside me, gazing out her left down the river. We’ve said nothing since she got into my car back at the clinic. I’ve said very little, just the usual,
“OK, let’s get you home.”
And that’s ok. There is no need for talk. I let my thoughts wander to our other volunteers, also transporting clients around the city to and from appointments, no doubt laughing about the traffic or grumbling about the weather, or silent like the two of us, simply enjoying the comfort of being with each other.
I glide to a stop – the red-light glares against the backdrop of a white sky and white park.
“White everywhere” my client mumbles, turning to me and smiling.
“I know… I miss the colours of the fall. Or when the flowers poke up in the Spring…”
“It will come”. She turns back to the window.
The light turns and I continue driving – she’s back to her own thoughts and I respect that. Cancer treatments take a lot out of a person and sometimes words are the last thing anyone needs. What this client does need today is for me to take care of her by transporting her home, keeping her safe for twenty minutes or so. My presence is just as important as my voice.
I drop her off at home, waiting until she’s safely on the sidewalk. She bends over to wave in at me and I grin, giving her a thumbs up. To my surprise, she grabs some snow and lobs it at my window. It splats beautifully. I roll the window down, laughing.
“Hey! Watch it you!!” She giggles and waves again as she walks off. Smiling I flick on my signal light and slide back into traffic. My heart is full, lifted by that moment of joy in the middle of weariness. That connection. That humanity. That strength.
Prairie hospice volunteers and clients embody this humanity and strength during weekly companionship visits, rides to appointments, and grief and bereavement support. This is non-medical, practical, and emotional support for people who live in our community. The mission of our “Hospice without Walls” program is to provide compassionate, community-based, end of life support wherever people call home.
Community connection and community support when our clients need us.
