A group of Haven team members and volunteers got together on a Friday to help patient Jennifer Drew move. Jennifer, now unable to handle stairs, was relocating from a two-story townhouse to a ground-level unit. The team included Volunteer Coordinator Susie Gilson, Susie’s volunteer husband Ted, volunteers Jessica Duong and Kat Backlowski and RN Case Manager Erin Eyre.
Jennifer shared that some people learned that they already knew each other, some people were strangers, but “everyone left as friends and family.”
Jennifer said that the moving event would not have been possible without Susie. “Susie makes things happen. She has a gift. She gets people motivated and brings her bubbly, glittery personality and it floats through the air to make people feel at home and at peace.” She said that the move also opened the door for more connection; Jennifer and the student volunteers connected and are making plans to visit more often.
Aside from the moving extravaganza, Jennifer sings praises over each and every Haven team member she has come in contact with in her journey. “The people God blessed me with at Haven came just at the right time for me and their care fits like a glove.”
She compared her experience with Haven caregivers to running a marathon: “I’m learning and growing in their kindness. I’ve never been a marathon runner, but I now understand the running analogy; they are the refreshing cups of water on the sideline when I feel like I can’t go another inch. They are my biggest cheerleaders and encourage me to go another inch, another mile. That has been a huge blessing.”
When asked about her experience with Haven overall, Jennifer shared, “I’m in awe of everybody that works at Haven. Everyone is beautiful inside and out. This process is really scary and unknown, but when you have amazing people around you, they can put things at peace and comfort you. They make uncomfortable subject matter easy to talk about and help you in the precious moments of your life. I know they are a team of superheroes surrounding me. They let you know that you’re not alone– it’s a surreal, beautiful, comforting feeling knowing that they’re there. I can put a light out that I need them and they will come to the rescue and that makes the process easier.”
Jennifer said the hospice journey is teaching her to give herself grace. To close, she wanted to extend her gratitude toward Haven team members: “Whether it’s voice, deed or action, being cared for by Haven is a warm hug. For that I’ll always be grateful.”
