Up on the watershed
Standing at the fork in the road
You can stand there and agonize
Till your agony’s your heaviest load
You’ll never fly as the crow flies
Get used to a country mile
When you’re learning to face
The path at your pace
Every choice is worth your while
–Watershed by the Indigo Girls
Today is the beginning of a new adventure for me. I’ve accepted a full-time position at Coastal Hospice as a Spiritual Counselor. On Monday-Fridays, you’ll find me visiting people in their homes and in facilities as they live out their last days of life. I’ll be spending my time talking, laughing, crying, praying, reading Scripture, serving communion, and listening to patients and families who are facing hard decisions, saying good-bye, praying for a different outcome, and living each day they have been given. I will be walking with people who have deep faith and people who don’t believe in God. I will be listening to their stories and helping them to fulfill last wishes. It is hard and a great joy. It is a privilege to be invited into one’s home, to sit by someone’s bed, to hold a hand, and share a hug. This is where God is calling me to be and the work God is calling me to do.
In order to answer this call, I must end my time with the Cooperative Youth Ministry of Christ Congregational and Takoma Park Presbyterian Churches. It is hard to leave the amazing youth, parents, staff, and congregation members I have gotten to know over the last year. I had hoped to walk with them on their faith journey for many more years. Sometimes to say yes to one thing we must say no to another. This is where I find myself today. As I say yes to Coastal Hospice, I must say good-bye to CYM at the end of September. As I live through this transition and follow this fork in the road, I ask for your prayers-for me, for my loved ones, for the youth of CYM, and for the patients, families, and staff at Hospice. In thanksgiving for your prayers, I will pray for all of you who find yourself wondering where God is calling you and if you have the courage to answer. Be brave, readers! Answer God’s call. Take the “path at your pace” and remember “every choice is worth your while”.
I am at Hillcrest Convalescent Center in Durham sitting in the room of a friend from Montgomery, Al. My friend is in end stage of terminal lung transplant that occurred about 6 years ago at Duke. She is a never married 80 year old with no siblings or family to care for her. I hav been called to be her gift of presence, a face that shows yo in her room every day.
I love that you have found a new road to travel for awhile, until the next one presents itself. You are a blessing whoever you are. Nice to know that today we are treading along the same road.
Ouida,
I’m so glad you can be there for your friend. Prayers for both of you as you walk with her. As I visit my patients and families, I will be thinking of you and your friend!
Peace and Love,
Susannah
Susannah,
May you be blessed in your new hospice ministry.
Godspeed!
Thank you, Amelie!
Dear Susannah,
You are very brave and an inspiration to all of us! Best wishes in your new calling!
Love and Prayers! Mary DeBenedetto
Thank you, Mary!