From the time I first began working with hospice in the early 1980's, as part of my counseling studies at Oregon State University, I often worked with hospital and hospice chaplains who were there at the bedside, too.

My own hospice work began as volunteer and advanced to where I was working with families and friends and helping them to learn more about the nature of Caregiving and Spirit and the process of simply Being Present with a friend or loved one in a time of spiritual need.

In summer 2002, I learned of the Chaplain Studies program at my church, and decided to go through the program to become a Chaplain, which I completed mid-2003 and am now a Chaplain at Unity of the Valley.

I also wrote a puzzle poem (a poem with the first line of the poem read vertically, giving another meaning to the words which lay on the page horizontally) entitled "What is a Unity Chaplain?" which in an abbreviated way explains what a Unity Chaplain is and does...

The essence of my work as Chaplain is to be available to hold sacred space, to listen and to pray with members of the congregation, and to be available to visit homebound members or those who find themselves in a hospital and in need of prayer and fellowship.

   
Coupled with my church work as Chaplain, I also often find myself traveling related to the my Hospice Caregiving Book, to work with churches, hospices, hospitals and cargiving organizations where I speak with them about giving their time and assistance to friends and family who need them. My book, Urgent Whispers: Care of the Dying, is available at bookstores across the USA and online, and is finding its way into churches, hospices and grief support groups as a workbook and discussion manual.