Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wednesday 7 May 2014

Volunteering

We were brought up to believe that we had an obligation to contribute to the community in which we live.  Over the years we often had an unofficial refuge in the home - people in distress would come for a meal and stay for weeks.  My mother taught migrants English in her lunch hour.  My father gave blood (hundreds of pints of blood) and repaired aids and appliances for people with sight disabilities.

As a young thing I volunteered with the YMCA, despite being neither Christian nor male.  And gave blood.

When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis the blood bank slapped a life-time ban on me.  As far as anyone knows MS isn't a blood borne disease - but they were taking no chances.

The MS progressed and my employment was terminated.  And I discovered that I had been defining myself by what I did.  A mistake.

I needed to feel that I still had something to offer the community - so signed up to do the training with Lifeline to become a telephone crisis counsellor.  That was a little over sixteen years ago - and I am still there.

I take calls from people in crisis Australian wide - self-defined crisis.  So I speak to people with relationship difficulties, grief, loss, survivors of sexual abuse, people contemplating suicide (and on a few scary occasions people in the process of killing themselves), people wrestling with mental illness, people bereaved by suicide, and a whole range of other things. 

I also speak to people using the crisis line to indulge their sexual fantasies.  We are cheaper than the sex lines.  So far, while they get short shrift from me, I have managed not to ask them 'Are you interested in a job involving sexual intercourse and travel?  You are?  Well eff off then.' 

Each call is different, and my heart thumps each and every time the phone rings.  I firmly believe that if I wasn't anxious I would be getting complacent and it would be time to move on.

I have wept with and for callers and I have laughed with them too.  The calls are often challenging and frequently exhausting.  I have been frightened, angry, disgusted.  Sometimes I leave with my heart aching.

But I am not a hero.  I get a great deal more than I am able to give.  The pain, the fear, the anger I feel is a pale shadow of what the caller has and is enduring.  It is also a reminder that there are a lot of positives in my life. 

I am endlessly fascinated by people.  I don't always like them, and I often don't like what individuals or we as a species do, but I am fascinated.   And sometimes I can reduce pain, often I can share pain, and sometimes I can help people turn their lives around.  Which is amazing.  And rewarding.

So each fortnight I do a shift.  Most of what I do is listening.  Hearing, and sharing the pain and hopefully giving the caller some resources to take charge of their own life and direction.  When safety is an issue we are more directive, and will sometimes intervene but as a rule it is about empowering the caller rather than taking over.  In the 'off weeks' I put on a supervisor's hat and support other counsellors and negotiate with emergency services when and if required.   I sometimes fill extra shifts too.   There is always someone in crisis and our lines never close down.  We are open all day and every day.

Yes, I do contribute to the community, but I have chosen the way in which I want to do so.  It is a good fit with my interests, and has introduced me to some amazing people.  I suspect that if I was faced with some of the things our callers face I would be under the bed, velcroed to the carpet, refusing to come out. 

One of my brothers donates plasma each fortnight and drives the 'blood bus'.  He also volunteers at the local zoo - shovelling crap often, but being exposed to the animals he loves (jealous thoughts).  He. like me, volunteers in areas which are 'right' for him.

Similarly I work with the MS Society providing other people with the dread disease with peer support.  I wish it had been available when I was first diagnosed...

106 comments:

  1. I am in awe of what you do, EC, although I know that you will shake your head and repeat that you are "no hero". I will be thinking about retiring from teaching in a few years' time, and I hope that I will be able to work voluntarily in some area where I can be useful, but I am sure that I wouldn't be able to work for Lifeline or a similar organisation; thank heavens for you and those like you!

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    1. Alexia: Have you any ideas what sort of work you would like to do after you retire? And you are right, I am indeed shaking my head. Not a hero at all.

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  2. I am amazed at what you do so selflessly! You say it suits your talents but many people would crumble under the weight you take on. I really can't imagine you being velcroed to the carpet, though. For one thing, Jazz wouldn't put up with the absence of a skilled food handler and Jewel would be under the bed talking you out from under it.
    Interesting that they won't allow you to give blood. Their loss, I guess. Your brother has a great volunteer job...unless he's walking behind the elephants... ;)

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    1. River Fairchild: You are right. Jazz would never allow me to spend time under the bed hiding from cat caring responsibilities.
      The brother has done a lot of his work with the big cats. And the meerkats. And the giraffe. And has been able to pat the cheetahs often. Well worth a little crap. Or even a lot of crap. I tell him I hate him. Eldest (pompous) brother says I don't. Brother in question laughs and says he would hate me if the tables were turned.

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  3. An enlightening and well-considered personal essay that I was happy to read twice. My compliments and admiration.

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  4. I have a little plaque on my wall that says labor is a blessing, be grateful for something to do. I think of it when I talk to friends who are retiring to try something they've always wanted to do. I'm equally surprised at how much is service. One friend is involved with Make a Wish for terminally ill children. Another trained federal employee, now retired, goes to help in disaster areas. And on and on and on. I think it's in most of us to do more than less, and you are the embodiment of my humble little sampler. Be Thankful, Be Happy for Something to Do!

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    1. Joanne Noragon: I am very, very happy to have found something which is so right for me.

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  5. I certainly enjoyed learning a bit about what you do on the crisis line, EC. I too cannot give blood any more because I got infectious hepatitis when I traveled to Peru. Apparently I can NEVER give blood because of the enzymes my body created to heal itself. Makes no sense to me.

    I love the fact that your parents taught you the value of giving back. They sound like exemplary people. Through you, I know something of them, because you are at least partly a product of their upbringing. Sending you lots of love and gratitude for having written this wonderful post. :-)

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    1. DJan: Both of my parents were difficult, and damaged people. And some of the things I learnt from them make me very, very grateful.

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  6. There are wonderful people in the volunteering sector and I applaud all of them who really do help to make a difference.And the aspect for which I'm most grateful? That people seem to "feel" where they should help, be it meals-on-wheels or suicide counselling.Not all of us can do all things, but when people such as you do fit well we should all take time to pause and be glad.
    Thank you, EC, on behalf of others who try to mend the broken.

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    1. dinahmow: There are people who do things which I admire, and could never, ever take on. So yes, I am glad they have found their 'fit'. And/or that the organisation is careful about who they accept in what capacity.

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  7. If the world had more people like you it would be a better place. Your light shines into the darkness of people's lives. thanks for being who you are.

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    1. mohave rat: Thank you. I am also a grumpy piece of work. Believe me, it is a very mixed bag.

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    2. I suspect the "grumpiness" also helps make you a better listener and empathizer for those in crisis. If you were a perky type with a constantly cheerful attitude, it would probably drive some of your callers to finish the things they might've been contemplating! You're a real person with a realistic outlook. The best kind of person, in my (definitely grumpy) book.

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    3. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): Thank you. No-one I speak to on the crisis line will ever get the Pollyanna approach. What they have endured is not ok, and with the best will in the world I cannot (and will not) promise that everything will be fine.
      Grumps of the world unite?

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  8. And another piece of the puzzle falls into place. You and I are both "community outreach" types, sort of like the disciples. We have each found ways to laugh with, cry with, empower, feed, help. I'm lucky to have a wonderful (if blog invisible) husband. But my best just-a-friend is a man, and he too lives with MS. Seems it chooses wonderful people! Kant taught us to behave so that if everyone did the same, it would improve [not degrade] society. See you at the "After Party" where we will dance and laugh and look AMAZING!


    Fond ALOHA from Honolulu
    ComfortSpiral

    =^..^= <3

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    1. Cloudia: MS is a sucky beast - but there are worse illnesses about. A lot of them. And any party which involves laughter is a winner.

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  9. Yes, you are a hero, EC. Believe me. I've only done a few crisis calls and it was so hard! Doing it regularly, for free, is the work of the angels.

    My organization is all about peer support and I wish the concept would have been around when I was diagnosed with depression way back when, too. I'm happy, at least, that it's available for people living with most illnesses now.

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    1. Riot Kitty: No way, no how, no chance. But thank you. And peer support is wonderful. The very best form of support I have experienced.

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  10. I cannot imagine how it must feel to be on the other end of the line with someone who is so distraught and maybe suicidal. Thankful that there are people like you who know how to listen, and how to respond. Emotional paramedics! I'm sure that for some, just being able to have someone to tell their story to is half the battle. Thank you for listening. The world needs more listeners like you!

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    1. Debora: It is a privilege to be invited into people's world. Sometimes painful - but always a privilege.

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  11. When I first came to your blog, I read your posts, one after the other, and felt there was a certain "something" about the person behind the words. No BS, strength, empathy and love. Yes, love.

    I wish I had known who/where to call, when I was ten years old, and already sick of the sexual assault, rape and mental torment my alcoholic father and mother put me through.
    When I held a razor to my wrist all those years ago. When I needed a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen.
    Even a teacher I turned to, couldn't help me. She was too ashamed to even look at me.
    So, I bottled it all up and took the hits. Stumbled in the darkness too long. The scars still hurt.
    I wouldn't wish that kind of abuse on anyone. Yet, it goes on. All around the world. In affluent homes and impoverished ones.

    You say you're not, "a hero". Fair enough. But, to someone who is scared and defeated, the voice on the other end of the line is... could... be the angel who they cry out to.

    Those who ring, are searching for hope. That's what it's about. Hope. That one day, it'll get better. One step at a time. Each new day, a step forward.

    Words can be powerful. They can destroy all hope, or they can give hope just when it's needed the most - in the darkest hours.
    I can only remember the first line to a quote I once read - "hope begins in the dark".

    You may not consider yourself a hero. But to those you speak to, you are the beacon that shines in the darkness, like a lighthouse. And, you know my fondness for lighthouses :)
    The light that guides, until the dawn comes.

    Even the smallest reassurance can make a difference.
    It's a heavy mantle. But, you wear it well xx

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    1. Vicki: You and far too many others are my heroes. The people who have survived unimaginable pain and horror. Somehow. Damaged, but surviving. Who enrich the world around them. As you do. Tears and hugs. And awe.
      In love and in admiration.

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  12. Tank you from all the people who have needed the help you so lovingly give. There are so many of us who may no longer be here if it weren't for people like you. I know that I will be forever thankful for the person who took the time to really listen to me when I needed him. Some people just have the gift of listening. Of understanding what the person is really trying to say. I guess life throws us lemons and it is what we do with them that makes us strong. You may not call yourself a hero, but I bet the people who you saved do.

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    1. Teresa: Thank you - but it is the survivors who are my heroes. Every time. So - take a bow.

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  13. Finding something that interests you and you think you might be good at really is the key for volunteering. With your experience I'm sure you do a great job.

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    1. Andrew: I am still learning,still trying, still committed.

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  14. Brilliant, I can't say any more.

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    1. Bob Bushell: Thank you so much for wading through my words. I really appreciate your effort. Really, really appreciate it.

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  15. You are a dyed in the wool empath like me dear, and I do understand that which you get from helping people, albeit scary and draining stuff often. I always say there's no such thing as pure altruism, we always receive as much as we give back, if not more as you say through the gratitude that springs from knowing how lucky we are in comparison. It's a marvellous gift to choose to give in the first place on a regular basis, the rewards balancing the scales. You'll not have hero as a general title, but you have to accept being my hero because I demand it to be so. *nods her head several times.

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    1. All Consuming: Oh yes, an empath through and through. Sometimes painful - but I prefer it to the alternative. Which is lucky, because I doubt I could change.
      Hero, schmero...

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  16. I think you do a great job at Lifeline and I do know that because i dropped out of the training phase. Mainly because I couldn't cope with being told to say ah-ha, mmmm, ahhh. Offering no advice, not responding to questions, throwing everything back at the caller. I still think that this approach is wrong.

    Don't think I am criticising at all, it's just that I couldn't do it. it's great how you care about people and how you empathise when you have your own health issues.

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    1. Anonymous: Welcome - and thank you. I found the training very, very gruelling and nearly didn't get through. Talking to the callers is what makes it worth while for me. And yes, there are areas I have reservations but on balance it is worth it for me.

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  17. Great post Sue. Hope things went well yesterday.

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    1. Carol in Cairns: Thank you. Yesterday was a reasonably mickey-mouse affair (familiarity breeding contempt?). Hopefully by this time next week I will be planning bringing the vile convalescent home again.

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  18. I co-ordinate 60 volunteers in my paid job, and their existence means our home visiting service can be rolled out to over 500 people who otherwise would have no access to public libraries. The role of volunteers like you in our community is worth billions. Thank you dear EC.

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    1. librarygirl: If I had known about the home visiting service it might have been something I explored. I love my books - and my library. My world would be diminished without them.

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  19. Bravo! While I realize you do not want praise, you are deserving none the less. This post could be a fine example for someone looking to help others while helping themselves. This entire post was excellent. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Granny Annie: It has been a huge help to me, and I hope to others. Thank you.

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  20. Most medicines cannot heal a broken person, but a kind voice can. People who do this are the unknown heroes.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I believe that being really listened to, is rare. And valuable. And surprisingly hard work. And so very worth while.

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  21. I'm sorry you have MS, but you are a beacon of hope that you haven't let it define you. Working the crisis line sounds emotionally exhausting, but I bet those people are grateful when you answer their call.
    I am in awe and yes, I do think you are a hero.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: No, not a hero. And you as the Ninja warrior rush around supporting people in your own way. Which sounds exhausting to me.

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  22. Volunteers are our unsung heroes. The world would be a lot poorer for the lack of them.

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    1. DeniseinVA: And this volunteer's life would be poorer if I couldn't play.

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  23. Its good of you to do what you do. I know you've helped countless people. I wish they had that kind of service available for my kind of needs back then also. Maybe someday.

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    1. Furry Bottoms: I hope I have been able to help as many people who have helped me. I really hope so.

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  24. Volunteering can be so rewarding. I admire that you are able to listen to people whom may never be able to talk to others about what pain they are going through. I have had MS volunteers from the MS society just call me to see if I'm okay! It just makes my day that they would care enough to call. I am lucky in that I am still able to care for my family but I'm not able to hold a full time job outside home anymore. My home is where I love. Thanks for your blog!

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    1. Mom at home: Welcome - and thank you. And I love that the MS volunteers have reached out to you.

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  25. You've done it for sixteen years?? I had to go back and read it again. I didn't last nearly that much when I was doing volunteer work. I got burned out.
    You may not consider yourself a hero, which is good according to volunteering experts, but what you do is amazing and even more amazing that you are still there. I still remember those visits at the hospital, people was so grateful to me, but I always felt I got much more than I gave. Many life lessons and the frequent reminder of all the blessings I did have. It was an enriching experience. I wish I could do it again. Good for you! Dragon Hugs.

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    1. Al Diaz: Sixteen years on the phone after the training finished. And I don't plan on giving up any time soon.
      You did hospital visits? Wow. I would have burnt out very rapidly there. I find hospitals confronting and scary places.

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  26. Well I think it is heroic that you do that, and have done it for so long. I imagine it takes a strong heart and mind sometimes to get through some of the calls. I imagine too that more than one person has thanked you, long after the call. :)

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    1. mail4rosey: Thank you. The service is anonymous, so we rarely hear back from people. Sometimes we are lucky enough to speak to the same person repeatedly - and it makes my day.

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  27. I think having the proper fit for a volunteer job makes all the difference. I was a leader in an organization I was not well suited for, and stayed in it from lack of anyone else willing to lead. I finally burned completely out, laid down the burden and would never take on a similar role again. Now I have found a different way to help a different group in need, and it is a better fit for introverted me. I'm glad your Lifeline work brings positives to your life - I believe that is how we know we've found a good fit. At least, it's how I know I've found mine.

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    1. jenny_o: What do you do now? And I hear you on the introvert front. Juggling need and ability is difficult.

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    2. The craft group I joined a few years ago decided to create useful items for donation to a homeless shelter and a women/children's shelter. My interest is sewing, so I made zippered toiletry pouches. Others made scarves/hats/mittens, cards, etc. according to their talents. (The cards were useful for the administration's many thank you notes that they send to donors.) This year, we have been asked to also consider items that could be chosen by the children in the shelter to give their mothers for birthdays or Mother's Day, which I think is an overlooked need and a heartwarming idea. We also donated towels and linens excess to our needs from our closets, and new toiletries. I think everyone can find something to help with, as there is need everywhere.

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    3. jenny_o: It is a brilliant idea. I give small things as Christmas gifts to a women's refuge each year. Useful things - but pretty too. And I love the idea of children in the centre being able to give gifts. And yes, there is indeed need everywhere.

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  28. What a lovely post this is, honest and brave in what you share and thoughtful in how you see your own place in the world. I am so impressed with what you've done with your life since receiving a diagnosis that would send so many into a pit of depression or self-pity. And maybe you've felt both of those things, but you didn't let them win. You've given me much to think about today.

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    1. Kathleen Cassen Mickelson: My place in the world is small (minute even). Which doesn't stop me trying to make it a tiny bit better - and certainly no worse.

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  29. Ah, what wonderful people you are from!

    I have a close friend that volunteers for a crisis line as well, and she says the same thing -- her heart thumps with every call.

    I have such admiration for the two of you -- and all the others. Thank you. :-)

    Pearl

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    1. Pearl: You reach out with your writing. And so often recognise the people that many try and ignore.

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  30. We were brought up to believe that we had an obligation to contribute to the community in which we live

    Here here xxxx

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    1. John Gray: And you do - in ways which would be beyond me.

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  31. Hi Sue,

    Your tireless efforts to be there for others, despite your own ailments, it testimony to your spirit of humanity at its finest. I know that volunteering in such fields as you so kindly do, can be difficult to find the emotional balance. I know that all my volunteer work causes some emotional dilemmas. I became an emotional "sponge" and the irony was that I took so much on that I ended up becoming even sicker.

    Volunteers must be treated with respect. Sadly, some of my volunteering experiences were such that I was treated like a second class citizen. One alleged mental health charity treated me so poorly, they reinforced my mental health issues. I'm only just recovering from it all.

    My dear friend, your contribution to society is priceless. It's my honour and privilege to know you, Sue.

    Gary

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    1. klahanie: And right back at you dear Gary. I have been so lucky to find you here in the blogosphere. Battling for others, struggling yourself. And never, ever giving up.

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  32. The way you describe your work with Lifeline reminds me of my work with the crisis hotline when I was still living in Germany. I was nervous every time, I laughed with the callers, I cried with them. I still remember a 12-year old girl who was sexaully abused by her father - she was the only one to whom I gave my lifeline name, so she could call during my shifts (we worked three to four shifts a moth) - that's what she wanted. And we also had these "sex callers" as we called them, mainly during the second half of the night shift, after 1:00 am. Not my favorites...

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    1. Carola Bartz: Some of those callers haunt us don't they? I wonder whether they realise that a piece of them is retained in our hearts forever. I am relieved to know that you continued to be anxious as well.
      Hiss and spit to the sexual fantasy callers. Oxygen thieves who tie up the line so others can't get through.

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  33. You are a wonderful person and I'm am glad to know you.
    Merle..............

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  34. How absolutely amazing that the very first time I visit your lovely blog, it is to find a post so very dear to my heart.
    I spent 23 years involved with LL from Nth Qld all the way down to Tas with TCing being a big part of my involvement along with being on staff in two different capacities. I am still (very close) friends with 3 women I met all those years ago. Joining LL changed my life and brought some extraordinary people into my life. I got back far, far more than I put in.
    A wonderful post EC which brought back so many, many amazing memories.
    With fond regards
    Rose ~ from Oz

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    1. Rose ~ from Oz: Welcome - and how lovely to meet up with someone else whose life was enriched and improved though LL. Thank you. And snap on the extraordinary people, and getting back sooooo much more.

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  35. Whether or not you claim the "hero" title (real heroes/heroines don't), you are doing what you can to touch the world with compassion. Interestingly, I just came from a speak by a man named Derek Clark. He survived horrors beyond belief in foster care and now is one of the world's most inspirational speakers. (www.iwillnevergiveup.com.) He emphasizes connection through listening, as you do. Bless you, EC.

    And I'm very sorry to learn about your challenges with MS. I have another friend facing it. I don't think any symptoms have stopped or slowed her down yet. It's scary and anxiety producing, though.

    xoRobyn

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    1. Rawnknrobyn: Thank you. I will track Derek Clark down. I do find listening astonishingly powerful - and difficult. To listen wholeheartedly, without rehearsing responses, without making assumptions is a great deal harder than the word 'listening' suggests.

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  36. PS I just came from a speech/presentation (not speak). =)

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    1. Rawknrobyn: I knew what you meant - and was reassurred to see that others also suffer from dyslexic fingers/poor proof reading.

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  37. It's a wonderful thing that you do, EC....and I can imagine how much certain stories/events/sharing of emotions must play on your mind; must stay with you, refusing to give peace of mind; and it must be difficult to divorce yourself from it all.

    You are a hero...don't discount yourself, or what you do. Hold your head high. :)

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    1. Lee: Some caller's do haunt me. But if I hurt hearing their story, how much more must it hurt them to go through it and live it. And MS has its pluses - my memory is shot.

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  38. I agree with every word you write about volunteering. I've been a 'listener' for many years now, and if your heart doesn't skip a few beats every time the phone rings you are not in the right job! (Your post is realistically true about the sex callers, too!)

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    1. Relatively Retiring: Thank you. I didn't know that you were also a 'listener'. Amazing, isn't it?

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  39. I wasn't aware of what you did. May I just say that it is a remarkable job to do. Your contribution to society is so, so important. Beautiful post, simply beautiful. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: Thank you. I am but one of many. Which is wonderful.

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  40. I am not a volunteer. Perhaps I should be. Perhaps I am too self-engrossed and selfish. I may have to think about that (in a self-engrossed sort of a way).

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    1. Andrew Maclaren-Scott: I contribute by volunteering. You teach and write - both are contributions. And I still find time for self-engrossed selfishness too. Not an either or.

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  41. A wonderful post - beautifully written. You are right that volunteering has to fit, but the fact you are doing it is wonderful, whatever you say you are to be admired. I think I would find this very hard. How do you unwind after a shift, particularly a harrowing one?

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    1. Jackie K: Thank you. It can be hard, but it is very, very rewarding. After a harrowing shift (or call) I debrief and come home and give myself a treat. Often a glass of bubbles...

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  42. So true - volunteering gives back far more than we can ever give. But still - you do a wonderful thing - listening to others - that makes a huge difference.

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    1. ladyfi: It is a privilege to be given the trust.

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  43. Wow you have a million followers EC, just trying to get to the bottom of your comment list took a bit. That was funny how you might tell someone thinking you were a different sort of hotline to f""" off. Very funny! Glad there are folks like you doing what you do, helps lots of people that is for sure, especially those who just need to hear a kind or reasonable voice. Your upbringing sounds really interesting.

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    1. Strayer: I do get a lot of comments - and welcome them. The sexual fantasy callers know that we are not the service they are looking for - but are cheap. Many of the counsellors are women and it is a game to them. Hiss and spit.
      My upbringing was a very mixed bag, but I am grateful for some of it.

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  44. I read this post with amazement. I had already known through my daughter what a wonderful, caring person you are so I didn't need convincing. The work you do is I know done with compassion and understanding and I imagine any callers are able to think more clearly after they speak to you.
    My mother did a lot of voluntary work before she eventually became Director of the Citizen's Advice Bureau but she always worked much longer hours than were required. My dad also did volunteer work when he retired. He used his car to drive people to hospital appointments etc. and also young children suffering from various crippling diseases.
    I am a good listener (and in the past have listened to the woes of friends) but I doubt I could do what you do.
    The only contribution I make now is the rugs I crochet to give to Vinny's to use as they will. Not sure how much longer I can do that as my hands are not good now but will continue on especially when Phil comes back from visiting them and tells me how delighted they are to have a few more rugs. This is nothing in comparison with the wonderful work you do but just a tiny 'something' that I can at least still do.
    Thank you for your story on volunteering and you have received some really great comments which you fully deserve. I know you will keep up this work as long as you possibly can.

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    1. Mimsie: Crocheting is beyond me - and I am sure that anyone who receives a hand-made rug cherishes it. Warmed in body and in spirit. That is a big contribution.

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  45. That is such important volunteer work you do - I can only imagine how difficult it must be sometimes. I have a friend who does similar work and she said that the calls increase when there is a full moon. I found that so interesting.

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    1. Lynn: Not only do calls increase at the full moon, they are often stranger too. And the calls increase when there is a calamity anywhere in the world, even when people are not directly affected.

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  46. My grandmother always told me that the secret of life is helping others. I rolled my eyes as a kid, but as an adult, those words have stuck with me and taken a deeper meaning each year. Focusing on what we can do for others, tends to straighten out the parts of our own lives that we're not proud of.

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    1. Pk Hrezo: And there is rather a lot in my life that I am not proud of.

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  47. It's takes a special kind of personality to be able to handle those hotlines. Whether you found that job... or it found you... it sounds like a perfect fit, benefiting both you and those callers on the other end of the line. I've done a lot of volunteering over the years, and I agree, no matter how much we give, what we get in return is worth far more.

    I didn't realize MS patients couldn't donate blood. Maybe because of the nature of some of the experimental medications, it could make sense, I suppose.

    Happy weekend! Good luck on Monday.

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    1. Susan: I don't think that the blood ban is medication related - it was a blanket ban for all time, and I don't think I was even on any medication at the time. A better safe than sorry approach?
      I am very grateful that I have found Lifeline. Very grateful. And thank you re your Monday wishes.

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  48. Without a doubt, you are a very special person. You put your money where your mouth is per se ... So many of us talk the talk, but 'never' walk the walk.

    You are an inspiration to me. Truly.

    Oh, and whilst I'm here I thought I'd give you the link to a program I saw on 60 Minutes the other night. The topic was about multiple sclerosis. I hope you check it out. It may help. Let me know and take care of yourself.

    It's called Russian Roulette (just copy and paste): http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/8810871/Russian-Roulette-medical-treatment

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    1. Wendy: I get a great deal from my volunteering. It gives me a sense of value, which was lost when I was thrown out of paid employment, it has given me the opportunity to speak to some truly inspiring people - and it keeps me (mostly) off the streets.
      I was aware of the stem cell treatment. It was used here in Canberra for a man with aggressive progressive MS. At the moment for me, the risks and the expense would outlay the possible benefits. My decline is happening, but is slow at the moment. Something to keep in mind though.
      And I still firmly believe that they need to find a cause before we can have a reliable cure. At the moment some things work for some people - some of the time.

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    2. I'm sorry to hear this. Medicine is coming along in great leaps and bounds. I hope in time that a cure is indeed found. And quickly.

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  49. What you do requires a special gift. Not sure I could withstand the emotional drain that volunteering of that nature must take. It is commendable work. You have my admiration.

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    1. Jeff Hargett: Admiration, while welcome, is not deserved. The heroes are the people who, faced with horrors, keep going. And going.

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  50. Are the lines open at night? That sounds like an important job, just being there for people.

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    1. Practical Parsimony: The lines never close. They are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Which, sadly, doesn't mean that people will get through immediately, but they are always open.

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