People who need help often don’t look like people who need help. The first time I became aware of this fact of life is when, as a FAIRHOPE Hospice volunteer, I accepted the assignment of an AIDS patient. FAIRHOPE’s staff and his parents accepted the reality of his disease and how he contracted it; nothing was assumed or implied. However, most of his extended family and society in general did not share the same sentiments.
Once our nurse established his plan-of-care, and he lived at home, his bedroom was prepared with all of the necessary medical equipment and supplies. His social worker made sure all necessary legal documents were completed. Since the disease’s progress was somewhat predictable, to the casual observer it appeared that everything was in order; it was not.
The reality was that his parents had a son who was blatantly rejected by society. On all of the news media and in general conversations the message they heard was that their son, and “people like him”, were getting what they deserved. His mom told me that she would overhear condescending comments about “those AIDS people” even while in the checkout line of a store. It was relentless and she felt crushed. His dad, with reddening eyes, said that when FAIRHOPE became involved a feeling of overpowering, indescribable love descended upon him and his wife.
At its core the essence of love is the absence of judgement. Whatever your ailment, whatever your fear, FAIRHOPE Hospice is here to offer tender care and compassion. Always with the absence of judgement.
Author Rick Schneider
