When I began my career at Pilgrims Hospice, I knew that part of coming in to this position was that I would have to say goodbye. The Day Program that I manage is a program for those who are living with life limiting or life threatening illness. Many of our clients are battling illnesses such as cancer, ALS or MS, to name a few. So needless to say this is an unfortunate aspect of my work and is naturally to be expected. There have been a few goodbyes in my time here at hospice.
What I didn’t foresee is saying goodbye to all the other wonderful people who walk through these doors. These people are volunteers, staff, and generally just good people who want to help and make a difference in someone’s life. These people are a true gift to society. I have been blessed to have met so many in such a short period of time. I’ve had, and continue to have, the pleasure of laughing with them, crying with them, sharing with them and getting to know them as family.
I feel that we don’t recognise these people enough for the invaluable work that they do. We may appreciate them somewhat at the time when we witness one of their kind acts, but do we all really appreciate the nature of their spirit? I’m referring to that person who finds it effortless to be giving, loving, supportive, accepting or non-judgemental…they just are that way. This spirit or nature they possess is a gift that they are able to give and share. Here at Pilgrims, there is no shortage of these people.
This week I would like to pay tribute to a wonderful Care Aide, Kim Stobbe. She worked side by side with me and our many volunteers for the last year, to make the Day Program enjoyable for our clients. Kim is a truly giving person with a big heart and a sense of humour, that I happen to think is second to none; invaluable traits in this line of work, as laughter truly is the best medicine. Kim could change the mood of the room with just a single off the cuff comment…and there were many. So now Kim has the opportunity to move back to Kelowna to be with her family and it has come time for us to say goodbye to her here at the hospice. We are saying goodbye to her as our Health Care Aide, but not goodbye from our Pilgrims family. I’m sure I speak for many at hospice when I say she has made many lifelong friends. She has left her footprint on Pilgrims Hospice and won’t soon be forgotten.
Good Luck in your new career Kim! You will be missed!
Bonnie Ross, Day Program Manager
