You can take me out of Social Work, but not Social Work out of me

"When in the service of your fellow beings, ye are in the service of your God."










I received a desperate phone call this morning that took me to UVRMC. One of my former patient's niece needed some assistance to put things in order. I complied and was down there in record time. Forty-five minutes later I was on the seventh floor to find my friend's aunt.

She became a friend after we talked over her aunt's situation several years ago when I worked in hospice as a social worker. A lot had occurred since we last talked. Char would call me on occasion to ask for some advice of what to do next about her aunt.

She expressed her appreciation for my response to come to her aid. She was able to get the proper medical and legal power of attorney to make sure her aunt's care was not interrupted. It took most of the morning. I was grateful I had the time available to help her in short notice. I felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost with some of the suggestions I gave her. I knew it wasn't me, but help beyond myself.

I also had the impression there was a purpose in the timing of this good sister's illness and the need to have her niece take charge of her aunt's affairs. She had a urinary tract infection that brought her to the hospital and could have died had they not taken the measure to give her antibiotics. The doctor confirmed this while he visited with the patient and my friend while I was there.

The aunt is 91 years old. She is tired and feels it is her time to go on. Now that the basics are taken care of she can be assured that all is in order for her to rest in peace when she is ready. Her work is almost done, and had experienced a might change of heart since my friend had reconnected with her aunt. She wondered if her aunt had repented of the things she had made her go through that were most unpleasant during that trial. I reminded her that now that she had been back to church and her heart had softened, that by taking the sacrament her slate was made clear and clean.

She hadn't thought of it that way and was comforted to know since her aunt had had the mighty change and welcomed her back into her life. They had been like mother and daughter before. She was the daughter her aunt never had, and she the mother that she needed as she grew up. It was a happy reunion for them. I think it will all work out in the end.

Char said there is a lot she can do for her aunt when the time comes for her to go to the other side. I pointed out to her that in a year after her aunt passes away she will have the gospel re-taught to her and meet with her loved ones. She can do her aunt's temple work besides have her uncle's work completed and have them sealed. Then she can do the rest of her father's siblings temple work. She agreed.

I felt blessed to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord by serving someone in need of my abilities. I had prodded, and cajoled the staff at the hospital, and herded them to where this good sister could have the assistance she needed without being left on her own to fend for herself and be even more frustrated. She said she couldn't thank me enough.

I went away feeling good about it without worrying about my own time that was taken up by being there with her. I think I had an extra measure of patience and was blessed to be aware of this good friend's need and mine to serve.

When I came home, I had a few minutes to help look after Aislyn & Ella home from early day at school. Candice had just finished canning peaches at Alexa's and was on her way home. My visiting teaching companion arrived just as Candice arrived home, ready to go visit our three sisters.

We have one sister who is bed bound. Her husband takes good care of her, brings her to church every Sunday in a wheelchair, she has Alzheimer's and is only able to make eye contact, but unable to speak. We go each month and give her the message as if she can hear us, since we think she can. We talk to her just like we would the others and share with her the thoughts and our testimonies. There is such hope we leave for her. Today, our message was about being daughter's of God. I also mentioned that when she is released from her earthly body, she will have the joy of communicating with her loved ones at that time who are there on the other side. I know that her condition now will no longer be there as she goes into her next stage of life. She stared at me and I felt she understood. Some would not feel as inclined or comfortable speaking to someone who has no ability to answer.

I know that from my hospice experience and seeing others who are close to the veil, I discount no one from hearing or understanding when spoken to. It is a privilege to have this experience and share the gospel with this dear sister. Her husband is a saint as he cares for her himself each day without complaint.

The other two sisters we visit are a joy as well. I appreciate my companion, Jo Powell, who is 83 years young. She is a delight herself, and there are no barriers to our ability to communicate as equals. I learn a lot from her, and is a delightful visiting teaching companion. She is a widow, very active; she still teaches voice lessons, and is an accomplished, trained pianist in her own right. She is our ward organist and accompanist for the ward choir. I am in awe of her wisdom, boundless talent and energy.

Her testimony gives me a sweet feeling of her character and joy in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the center of her life and she bears all her burdens well. She never ceases to share her testimony of the Savior, his atonement and mission.

One of the Relief Society presidency sisters said once about Jo, that "she wanted to be like Jo when she grew up." Me too.