I started volunteering for Hospice Services a few of months ago.

I didn't know what to expect, I just figured that I would just sit there and read my book while the caregiver took a break and went to town. If the patient needed something, I would try to help.

The young lady that I was staying with is over 100 years old. At first she seemed to be frightened of me, so I just stayed in the living room and would check on her once in a while.

Then something began to change. She began to smile when I would come into the room. One day she grabbed my hand and rubbed the outside of my hand and said, “Your hand is soft,” and would not let go.

I remember thinking, “What do I do now?”

Well, I had no choice but to sit there, so I took my other hand and put it on hers and I saw her smile. So for the next two hours I sat there on the edge of the bed, holding her hand while she slept.

Something started to change within me; I no longer wanted to read my book. I just felt pure love for this person. When I was about to leave, she thanked me for holding her hand and said I was such a kind person.

Well, the next week came along and I found myself wanting to see her. When I got there she was half asleep, so I peeked around the corner, and she saw me and got all excited and wanted me to come over.

She grabbed my hand and kissed it and held onto it real tight, so I took my other hand and put it on top.

Now the last time as well as this time we did not talk, we just made a connection through holding hands.

Yes, I know that she will pass away someday, but until then I will be smiling and holding hands with someone who matters to me.

Thank you for reading my story. To be honest, Hospice Services was the last place I ever wanted to volunteer. I had heard how wonderful it was from another volunteer so I thought I would give it a try. As you can see above, I loved it!

If you would like to change a life, call Hospice Services of Lake County or your local hospice and volunteer.

Rich Fisher lives in Lakeport, Calif. Hospice Services of Lake County can be reached at http://www.lakecountyhospice.org/ , telephone 707-263-6222.