Suzanne’s Story – Family and Bereavement Support Volunteer

How I became a volunteer with the family support team at St Mary’s Hospice …

I became involved with St Mary’s Hospice because someone I know in the town (Grange-over-Sands) where I live, talked to me about her experience as a volunteer and about how happy she was to be able to help people who are grieving for loved ones.

What it has meant to me

The level of voluntary work training at the hospice is excellent. On a personal level it allowed me to examine the effect of the losses in my life and to accept that the grieving process is a natural and necessary response.

I discovered that the caring philosophy of the hospice movement – of compassion, kindness and comfort is outstanding. Its staff are awesome and to be able to help them in any way is a privilege.

What it could offer other people if they want to do the same?

I have always thought that the best thing I could do with my life is to help other people and being a member of the voluntary sector of the St Mary’s Hospice team is like coming home.

Suzanne kindly shares an insight of her own personal experience:

“If only I had had a bereavement counsellor or visitor to talk to about my Mum after she died. Moving was, in retrospect, a coping mechanism for the loss of someone very special, a dear person who had brought love, security and faith into my life. She had been my source of inspiration. I wish I had had one last chance to say ‘I love you and thank you for everything you have done for me.”

If I can help anyone who is bereaved and grieving, by simply listening to what that person tell me, to be with him/her in their present situation, and to understand how it feels right now, I would do so with pleasure.

This poem, taken from a book called ‘Proof of Heaven’ by Dr Eben Alexander, quite simply made me cry.”

“If I could relive yesterday
Just even for a while,
I’d say goodbye and kiss you
And may be see you smile”

I bought and read this book in October last year when I was staying with my daughter and grandchildren in Perth. This was, therefore, just before starting the bereavement counselling course at St Mary’s Hospice. I now believe, following the level of training we have undergone, that as long as we think of and talk about the people we have lost, they will live on in our hearts.”

Thank you to Suzanne Jones for sharing her story