Carolyn and Terry’s Story: A Poetic Pairing

Following her retirement in April 2020 from a 30-year career in management working for social services, Terry was ready to dedicate more of her time to something she always wanted to do: volunteer. As timing would have it, Terry’s retirement came during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – a time when most volunteering opportunities were put on hold. Although not ideal, this allowed her time to research areas in which she felt she could be valuable to others. 

It wasn’t until May 2023 when a friend talked to her about volunteering with hospice that she found her place. Terry didn’t have much knowledge about hospice at the beginning, and while she couldn’t explain it at the time, it just felt right. Terry happily joined the Ancora team a short time later. Following her education and hospice training, she was ready to meet her first patient. As is the goal with each patient and volunteer relationship, Terry was personally matched with someone who she was likely to have similar interests with. It was a great match! Together they enjoyed church, singing old hymns, and reading from the Bible. As Terry stated, visiting with this patient was just easy. Terry provided wonderful companionship and comfort to her first patient, especially during their final days. 

When she felt ready, Terry was matched with another patient, Carolyn, whom Terry described as “the sweetest lady.” However, Terry found this match slightly more difficult to find common interests with, due in part to the fact that Carolyn had dementia. Still, Terry persisted. First, she found out that they shared a love of donuts. Terry started bringing donuts with her on her visits which would always get a big smile from Carolyn, who said that Terry spoiled her. As Carolyn’s diet options changed, she moved to strawberry milkshakes as they were another favorite. While this brought joy and connection, Terry wanted her visits to be valuable to Carolyn – not just caloric intake, but emotionally as well. 

One day, Terry noticed her book “Collected Poems of Robert Service” and felt compelled to try. On her next visit, strawberry shake, and book in hand, she sat with Carolyn who immediately asked if she was going to read to her. Terry read poem after poem from The Cremation of Sam McGee to The Shooting of Dan McGrew, to Songs of Sourdough. After each poem was finished, Carolyn had tears in her eyes, and she reached for Terry’s hand, asking her to continue reading. And with that, Terry discovered the emotional connection she was hoping for, allowing Carolyn to be transported to a world of beautiful words, comfortable companionship, and true connection. It was a perfect poetic pairing.