Helping Pathways Changed My Life
Judi Broyles has volunteered for Pathways since 2008. She is also a member of the Pathways Legacy Society. Judi reflects on her experience as a hospice volunteer below.
I used to have a vision of what my retirement would be like. I would build dollhouses in the garage and volunteer some time at the Humane Society.
Well, there is a saying, "man makes plans and God laughs." So let me try to tell you why my life has forever changed for the better, and how I have finally been able to make a meaningful contribution to society.
I was taking a class in energy healing and the instructor said she was a volunteer for Pathways Hospice. I have no idea why, but I said, "That's what I want to do with my training."
Before I knew it, I had an appointment with Shaguna Wilkes, Director of Volunteer Services, and signed up for volunteer orientation. Little did I know how my life would change. I have had assignments with patients of all ages who had life-ending diseases.
What Compassion Really Means
All of these patients have helped me grow as a person. I now know what compassion really means. I have been humbled by the courage shown by every patient. I have heard stories from people of all religions and from almost every part of the world.
Thanks to my discovery that I can "really be there for someone," I have now taken Pathways' vigil training. It has prepared me to be with people as they pass out of this life. That has made me grow even more into the person I want to be.
Thanks to Pathways, I have learned to be willing—willing to really be there for someone and willing to continually learn.
I might also mention that my dog, Rusty, is also a Pathways volunteer and visits patients.