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It’s my firm belief that everyone needs to spend some time giving back to others.
For the past four years, I’ve volunteered at Shepherd Home, providing hands-on care to residents during their last weeks of life. My friends ask me all the time why I volunteer there, so I though I’d blog the story of why I do. I swear, it’s the truth.
Six years back, my aunt (Connie) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As expected, this tumor was unresponsive to treatment and over the next seven months, I visited Aunt Connie whenever I could (she lived in Buffalo, and I in Rochester). Each time I’d visit, I would see a little more cancer and a little less Aunt Connie. I spent lots of time thinking about how I could help my aunt and uncle cope.
After Aunt Connie passed away, I would often drive by Shepherd Home wondering if I should stop in and see the place. Maybe there was something I could do? It took me over a year to get up and schedule a visit.
I was convinced at my first visit that Shepherd Home was where I wanted to volunteer, because that day I met my first Shepherd Home resident...Her name was Connie.
I am always asked if volunteering at Shepherd Home is a depressing place, and I always emphatically answer “No!” I cannot change what happens for the residents at Shepherd Home, but I can certainly offer comfort and kindness to make a tremendous difference in their lives- even at the very end. There is nothing depressing in that.
l am convinced that there are some things you are just destined to do. Everyone has it, they just have to keep watch for their direction
Marie Cinti lives with her husband and two children in Penfield. A former college academic advisor and school counselor, she is passionate about community service and blogs about life in Penfield, books, events, and more. She enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and geocaching. If you have an idea for her blog, please email Marie at sfinkels@rochester.rr.com.
