Finding Purpose Through Service: A Hospice Volunteer’s Journey from Grief to Giving
For many, grief can feel like a void that is hard to fill. But for Bob, a resident at Benedictine Living Community-Duluth, that space opened an opportunity to giving back in a deeply meaningful way. After losing his wife to Alzheimer’s, Bob was moved by the compassion shown by the hospice team during her final days. Their care inspired him to channel his own grief into purpose, finding strength and healing in becoming a hospice volunteer.
“I felt compelled to give back,” Bob shared. “The way hospice treated my wife and me was wonderful. I wanted to offer that same care to someone else.”
Creating Connection in Quiet Moments
Bob’s first volunteer opportunity was with a former doctor who had also been a sailor and a drummer. Though the patient could no longer speak, the two connected through music. “I put on some music, and we drummed together with our hands,” Bob recalled. This simple action filled their time together with joy, creating moments of connection that spoke louder than words. It also gave the patient’s partner a precious gift—time to rest, run errands and have a few moments to themselves.
A Gift of Presence
Hospice work can be challenging. But Bob’s own experience caring for his wife prepared him well. “Some people struggle with accepting reality,” he said. “I enjoy the process, not necessarily the result.”
His philosophy is rooted in trust, honesty and setting clear boundaries. “Many people in hospice are afraid to be alone,” he explained. “I’m grateful I can be there to keep them company.”
To anyone considering hospice volunteering, his message is simple but powerful: “Don’t volunteer just to say you did. Do it because you’re ready to be fully present for someone in their most vulnerable moments.”
Living with Purpose at Benedictine
Through his service, Bob has found a new sense of purpose, one that honors his wife’s memory while lifting others up in their final days. His story is a reminder that meaning and connection can be found even in life’s hardest seasons.
At Benedictine Duluth, residents are supported in finding purpose and living fully in ways that matter most to them. Whether through faith, service or community involvement, our mission is to honor each person’s journey with compassion and dignity. Because we know that purpose doesn’t fade with age—it grows deeper, richer and more powerful when shared with others.