How Did It Get So Late So Soon? -- Week 7

I'm having a hard time realizing that it is really nearing the end of my time with Cranberry Hospice.  Even though I only have a week left, I still have a lot to do.  I have visits next week, mostly to say goodbye.  I have office work to do, too, which I have enjoyed doing.  Entering survey data was a good experience for me to see the kinds of questions organizations ask their families with whom they work.  I felt kind of important being given access to the database, even if I was only at my site for such a short time.  I also have to create a bibliography of Children's books on grief and loss.  I really want to make sure the books I put on the list are the best and most universal, not overly religious.  I realize it is important to be sensitive about these kinds of things when dealing with several different kinds of families with different beliefs. 

I'm not looking forward to saying goodbye to the families I've gotten to get to know, but I know I have to.  Realizing that it is the middle of August has put a lot of things in perspective for me, including the fact that summer is coming to a close and it will soon be time to get back to everything that Fall has to offer.  I know that I will always have a connection with Cranberry Hospice even after I leave.

Reflections--Week 6

This week I have been thinking about how long I have left at my internship.  I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.  I started slowly in May, making introductions and learning how everything works at the site.  And before I know it, it is August.  Thinking about having to say goodbye to some of the kids I've formed relationships with will not be easy, even though I have been preparing myself since the start.

I've learned so much from this internship experience.  I've thought about all that I have to offer to the families I visit.  When I first started my supervisor asked me that very question and I did not have a clear answer.  Since then, I know that I have my experiences, compassion, and curiosity to offer.  I have my passion for the expressive arts and creating connections to offer.  I have my listening ears, and I have my silent company.  I know I cannot cure and change the world in my short time with these families, but I know I am making an impact on their lives, hopefully for the better.  I hope I've given the siblings of these children in care at least one resource that they can use to express the way they feel with all the chaos surrounding them.  I hope I've given them a care-free summer afternoon where they could just be kids again. 

Hope.  That's what this field of work is all about.