when i was in college, i used to go and visit a few vets at the local veterans hospital (got started through a program from one of my teachers). i dropped in a couple of times a week and visited with the gentleman i was assigned to - generally his friends joined us. after he died, i continued visiting the other group on a regular basis as long as i was at school in that area (a bit difficult to keep up regular visits to a hospital on the west island of montreal when living in switzerland).

here the practice continued with first my grandparents at their home - then in the old age home and later the other people that were still there after my grandmother had died. generally they all enjoy a good visit - it doesn't take much - just a half an hour or hour here or there - but on a regular basis !!!!

many times they do not want long visits as it tires them out. we sometimes look at old fotos, take a walk in the park (a short turn in the wheelchair is also great), sometimes a stop in the coffeeshop. i have now started visiting a previous colleage who is now partly paralized. she likes me to just sit with her - sometimes we watch a little tv - generally mainly the view from the window and the people in the park.

take a small bag with an easy sewing project (i always have my "quilt-on-the-go" squares and strips with me), the fingers are kept busy - and it can often get a new conversation going. i find that these visits give me much more than anything i put into them.
speak to the staff at your local VA - it is important that one does visit regularly - oh yes - life can happen - but if we get into the habit of dropping in once a week or whatnot - it's great for all

Lynn, look what I just found in the most recent Twilight Brigade newsletter:

"We are looking forward to holding trainings in Florida, South Carolina, and Texas. So if you or you know of anyone in these areas who would be interested in hearing more, attending a training there, or offering help, please let Sandy Hatfield know at mailto:ttbciaatl@windstream.net.

That door just might be opening wider Message me if I can be of any more help.

QuilterLynn wrote:
Lynn, just by writing your post, you are helping by letting those of us who did not see the CBS report and did not know about The Twilight Brigade. My dad died in a VA hospital, but thankfully it wasn't because of war wounds and he wasn't alone.

Recently, I've been sitting with a friend while she's going through chemo treatments. I've been making hexies while sitting with her and am amazed at home many I can get completed. So, maybe you can do both too--quilt while you sit with a dying veteran.

Well, looked at http://www.thetwilightbrigade.com and there is no chapter in Texas. At this stage of my life, don't think I'm up to STARTING one! But hopefully, keeping this conversation open will present other avenues. Perhaps even if I look at the VA Hospital here in Houston I'll see a point of entry. Have a friend who works with Vets through the DAR but I'm not DAR. I know the door is open.....I just have to find it! Thanks for your input fiberwoman.

It indeed does 'take a village.'

Lynn

I have had the privilege of volunteering with http://www.thetwilightbrigade.com/, visiting patients in the Hospice unit of the VA hospital here in Spokane, WA. Although the story in the CBS video doesn't appear to be connected with Dannion's group, it has the same motto, that no one die alone. It is indeed heart- wrenching to witness how many patients simply do not have any loved ones near by. Some patients refuse to be seen by Hospice volunteers
The art of music thanatology is represented in that video as well, with the harp player. Therese Schroeder-Sheker is one that I became aware of: http://www.windovertheearth.com/Msheker.html Absolutely fascinating, and makes me wish I was a musician.
While the volunteering is an honor, it is difficult. I have the highest respect for those who continue to offer themselves in any way to this end. In the case of The Twilight Brigade, there is a required training to complete beforehand. It is likely that all groups require it.
Thank you, Lynn, for the link to this video. I encourage you to follow your heart and volunteer in this manner. Your being a nurse would likely make it easier for you, as you are already familiar with the issues at hand in the end-of-live scenario.

Watching the news on CBS tonight and there is a red/white/blue quilt on a dying veteran's bed in a VA Hospital. Made me feel good that he had a quilt! They say 1500 vets die every day in VA hospitals across the country. Many of them die alone.

I think I need to act on that little bit of information. How about you? Maybe I need to place my body in a few of those rooms instead of sewing up pieces of fabric. Not that the quilts are a small thing........but dying ALONE? Not right!

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57341845/a-va-promise-no-veteran-dies-alone/?tag=cbsnewsSectionContent.0



Lynn