Her other title is Artist at theresefisher.com; she also founded the nonprofit, Weaving Joy; but we think Therese Fisher is special because of the exceptional contribution she makes to the lives of patients and families at Collabria Care. Therese has been volunteering with us since she moved to Napa seven years ago – and she was a hospice volunteer in Oregon, before that. Such a rich history of volunteerism has allowed her practice to evolve over time.
Ms. Fisher spends most of her time with our agency volunteering for Collabria Hospice, providing either spiritual care or caregiver respite and patient companionship. Providing respite and companionship can mean doing any number of things, depending upon the needs of the patient. “It can be anything from sitting in the other room – just being in the house in case there is an emergency – to playing games, watching movies, going for walks, or even just talking,” she says. Spending time with hospice patients has become a celebrated part of her life. “There are so many special things” about this type of work, Therese reflects. “I get to meet people that I never would’ve come across in my daily life. It’s possible to develop a really unique bond because I’m in their lives at a time that’s so precious and so, so important.”
Spiritual care can take any form, too. “Maybe the person just needs somebody to sit with them,” Therese says. In that case, “I could be a silent presence. times I’ll sing hymns for people, or other uplifting songs. Sometimes I sing prayers.” Whatever she does is at the request of the patient and family.
Another way Collabria Hospice patients may receive spiritual care is through requesting Reiki sessions. “Reiki is spiritually guided life force energy,” Therese explains. “It involves the laying of hands” and Therese says she doesn’t see much of a difference between Reiki and prayer, “because it’s really just about getting completely out of the way and letting a divine power through.” After a moment of further reflection, she realizes, “that’s actually true of any hospice work. You’re just getting out of the way and taking a higher hand and letting that guide you in what you’re doing. That can come through song, that can come through companionship – that can come from anything.” This is why each hospice assignment is unique.
Therese was drawn to hospice work after participating in a guided meditation session during a weekend workshop in Oregon. Off the cuff, the instructor asked students to pair up and take turns trying to guide the other person outside of his or her body. Therese remembers feeling “like a deer in the headlights.” But she did her best, and when the session was over, her partner looked up at her and said “Wow! I want you to be there when I die!” That comment ignited the spark within her, and after having another powerful spiritual experience related to the process of dying soon after that, she decided to seek out hospice work.