Dr. David Martin on finding meaning in the work we do

A Day in the Life of a Hospice Chaplain

5:45 P.M. I am riding my 30-year-old racing bike through Lost Creek Park. Whipping through several turns, the limbs of the tree race past me like memories of the day.

One patient recently lost his wife. “I am ready to die,” he says. He complains of being weary of life. I don’t blame him. He has seen much, having won his citizenship by fighting for the USA in the Second World War. He weeps still at the memory of his best friend being killed while on patrol. “Don’t forget me,” he pleads. I have taken to greeting him with the words, “I have not forgotten you.”

When I leave, I assure him, again, that I will not forget him. The words come easily. He has left an imprint on my heart and soul. Recently, as I was departing from a long visit, he took my hand and covered it with his kisses. A lump formed in my throat when I climbed into my car to leave. The patient is Catholic and the impact of his affection is not lost on me. I am awed at the power of compassion to move patients to such gratitude.

The trees are a blur. Another memory flashes by. Today, I spoke with a woman who is 112 years old. She is hard of hearing, but hears well enough to repeat my name when introduced. I think to myself, “Surely there is a misprint on her face sheet regarding age.” No. (Born 1894)! After an internet search, we find she is the second oldest person in our young country. To the receptionist in our office, I boast, “A 112-year-old woman spoke my name today.” I am struck by the power of that voice that can call my name. After all, her voice spoke in moments over 100 years ago. I felt as if I had stepped into a time machine.

The wind glides past my face as I round the next curve. I ponder the funeral that I did today. After telling the family that no one is perfect (but the deceased had much strength we could focus on), a nine-year old great granddaughter came to the podium with her grandmother to proclaim that her great grandmother was indeed perfect. My heart was warmed to hear her unequivocal love for “granny.” We were both right, of course, but she spoke with more power. It was a beautiful moment.

The spokes on the wheels hum a sweet melody. The song resonates with my heart, where I find satisfaction. It has been a long day, and the sweat from the Houston heat feels good on my skin. Not every day will be like this, but I know there will be some…and that gladdens my spirit. I hope and pray that you, too, will find meaning in your walk today.

May the whirling memories you make satisfy your soul.

In preparation for the 2006 Pemigewasset Choral Society Christmas concert series, choral society members were invited to offer their personal written reflections on peace, the theme of the concerts. Judith's reflection caught Rev. Dr. WIlliam Zeckhausen's heart and he asked her to submit it to PlainViews.

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