Reflections by Care Team Members

As clergy liaison for the parish's care team ministry, the Rev. Victoria Jamieson-Drake asked members of several care teams to write brief reflections on what serving on these teams has meant to them. Here are a few of their thoughts.

Our care team became close as together we provided truly personalized service to one person, meeting many of her needs without any one of us feeling it to be a burden. As coordinator of the team, I knew the kind of service each was giving and helped arrange times for visits to meet specific needs so that no one team member felt a burden. Some team members developed close relationships with the person being served, and I felt that all team members developed a closer relationship with one another through team meetings, e-mail, and phone. The experience made me feel I would love to work again with the same team to serve another parishioner.

Judy Watkins

The care team has given me a sense of peace. My friends show determination, hope, and tranquility at this point in their journey that refuses to be diminished by illness or frailty. Their positive outlook and good humor in the face of illness is inspirational and makes me more thankful for the blessings of good health and, I hope, time.

Larry Logan

I found being a member of a care team quite like being a Stephen minister with the difference being that I was not the sole caregiver. However, my experience was similar in that I was visiting an individual whose quality of life was not very good due mainly to chronic debilitating illness. Overall, it was a positive experience. The care receiver was an interesting man who appreciated my coming and we had some good conversations. There was not too much else I could do for him but I have to believe that my being there made a difference.

Larry Hart

Working with a person in the last stage of life is an honor and a privilege. Through this work, I came to value my own life and that of others in a new way, and for that experience I will always be grateful.

Bob Millikan