by Sherry Rayner, Pathways Hospice Volunteer
The most heart wrenching yet fulfilling cases
I’ve had as a Hospice volunteer has been with Pathways KIDS. During
this time, I have learned that flexibility is the key and there is
always a way to communicate.
My last case was with a Vietnamese family in
East San Jose. Their youngest son, Jefferson Vu, was a 4-month-old
patient who had a rare genetic disease. My job was to entertain his
energetic 3-year-old brother, Truman, so their mother, Tam Vu, could get
some much-needed rest and tend to her baby without interruption.
My initial contact by telephone was with the
father, Ho Vu, who spoke English fluently. I knew he would be away when I
visited each week. My concern was how I would communicate with the
patient’s mother and brother, as I knew their English was limited.
As my first visit approached, I felt both
anxious and excited. I carried a huge canvas tote bag filled with lots
of toys, books and videos. Upon knocking on the front door of their
condo, I was greeted by a sweet, smiling young woman and her active and
excited 3-year-old son, Truman. Leaving my shoes at the door with
families, I was graciously welcomed in.
I was then introduced to their precious baby
boy, Jefferson. He was lying very still on a pink satin pillowcase in
the middle of their big bed. In direct contrast to the rambunctious
Truman, Jefferson was very still, tiny and fragile. He sounded like a
wounded baby kitten when he cried. When he opened his eyes you saw big
brown eyes looking back at you. His face would light up with the most
radiant smile when spoken to softly.
Meanwhile, Truman anxiously eyed my canvas
bag to see what I’d brought. Not being able to contain his curiosity
any longer, we opened the bag. Out came a small nerf ball and a suction –
cupped basketball hoop to put on their closet door. Truman was soon
animation in action as he jumped and leaped trying to make a basket.
When he made a basket, his Mom and I would clap with joy. During this
time, Jefferson, the baby, slept soundly. There were two completely
different worlds going on in one small bedroom.
Each week Truman would discover a new item in
the canvas bag. Soon, he was helping me carry the bag up the stairs.
The biggest hit of all was the “Bubble Machine.” Truman and I would go
outside to the porch and play with a battery-operated bubble machine. At
the flick of a switch, hundreds of tiny iridescent bubbles filled the
air. Soon an excited little boy, ran, jumped, and squealed with joy. The
smile on his face was only outdone by the sound of his giggles. He’d
race around trying to catch every bubble, breaking it or holding it,
letting them crash into him with glee. Needless to say he was hooked on
the bubble machine and caught me by surprise when in English he’d ask
for bubbles every visit.
One particular week, we were lying looking
through his English/Vietnamese Kids Picture Dictionary when he focused
on the medical page. He quickly pulled up his pant leg and showed me his
scratch. I then showed him a scar I had on my leg. Much to my surprise
he leaned over and kissed my “boo boo.” Tears welled up in my eyes as I
held him and said, “Thank you, it’s all better now.” I was no longer
worried about how we would communicate.
We played together for six months and in
January 2007 Jefferson peacefully passed on, at home, in his mother’s
loving arms with his brother and Daddy close by. What a cherished
journey, never to be forgotten. I’ve learned there are always ways to
reach out, but never imagined a bubble machine would be one of them.
About Sherry Rayner
Sherry Rayner has volunteered with
Pathways Hospice for over 20 years. With her art teacher education and
professional graphic design experience, Sherry is known for the
creativity that she brings to her volunteer work. She began volunteering
with Pathways after raising a family, care giving for several family
members and volunteering with several other organizations. Known for
brightening the days of patients of all ages, Sherry has recently
specialized in the unique concerns of Pathways KIDS and their families.
