31 Oct 2022 Volunteer Party Remarks

On a brisk October evening, we were able to hold our first in-person volunteer appreciation party since October 2019. We enjoyed delicious food from Tito’s Taqueria, Cai’s Dim Sum, Andrej’s Polish Food, and Vermont Gelato; Hallowell sang; and several of our volunteers shared tributes to BAH staff who departed during the pandemic: Don Freeman, John Everest and Patty Dunn. Some of their remarks are below:

A Tribute to Don Freeman:

Hi, my name is Rhondi (Gleason).

It is most rewarding to be a BAH volunteer, a Taking Steps facilitator, and, most recently, a trained grief supporter.  

I believe each one of us has a special gift to give. When we are supported in who we are, in our own true spirit, then we can give those gifts. It is a real pleasure to honor our beloved BAH family with deep appreciation for doing that. 

When Don Freeman stepped up to carry on the work Joanna Rueter started with Advance Care Planning, he brought his exceptional skills as Coordinator, administrator, diplomat, and being very kind . . . not to mention his expertise with technology and forgiving ways with those of us who aren;t techno savvy. When the virus came, Don’s resourcefulness found ways of assisting people with doing the Advance Directive. He mailed info and forms, made visits and brought forms and met folks outside in driveways. He made lots of phone calls.

When I was facing a very difficult task of finding a home for my horses, Stormy and Grace, after having them for 16 years since they were babies, he provided much comfort, understanding, and HOPE. His sharing of his volunteer work for 10 years at a Draft Horse Rescue, and having a ceremony with spiritual leader, Chief ?? Looking Horse made me brave. Stormy and Grace have been at their new home in PA. for almost a year now. Their new family keeps me updated with how they are doing, and sends me pictures quite often. It makes all the difference in the world!

When I was walking through the field a couple days ago, I came across some remaining horse manure that had not totally disintegrated yet, I took off my crocs and danced on it!

One of the things that I loved about Don was how he always spoke of the JOY and appreciation he found in working at BAH, and being part of such a special organization. We shared a great deal of gladness for having each and everyone at BAH in our lives . . . and Still Do!  Thank You!  Rhondi Gleason

A Tribute to John Everest:

What we aspire to with Hospice care is to address the very human need – the animal need – for safety at moments of our greatest vulnerability. I think that sums it up: to be a bridge to safety at points of exquisite vulnerability around death and grief.
And in practice, that bridging is always relational, isn’t it? Help that’s truly helpful is always heart-to-heart, more poetry than prose, more art than book-smarts or formulas. Heart-to-heart is what John Everest does so well. He’ll go to the nth degree to figure out what clients need, yes, and he does so with a huge heart. I’ve witnessed how accessible John’s feelings are to him, which conveys the sense:
“This man can be trusted.” There’s nothing contrived about John.

I’ve witnessed John responding to suffering people in groups. He’s a master at offering
space for others to enter in with their vulnerability and the urgent questions they struggle with.
He does not intrude with his wisdom. Rather, John’s wisdom is that he does not intrude. His
trust in our clients’ wisdom is implicit in the non-intrusive, compassionate, space John offers,
and that inspires hope and faith.

If I had a Yiddish Grandmother, she’d say, “John, du bist ein Mensch.” “Mensch:” that’s
a good word to add to your vocabulary if it’s not already there. With one syllable, it says, “John,
you’re above and beyond. I’d want you on my side when the Schmutz hits the fan. Your feet
are firmly on the ground, and your heart rests in something Divine. Integrity. Honor. Dignity.
There for others. Paragon of perfection? C’mon now . . . You’re more than that! ” John, you’re
a Mensch.

– Rick Willhite

PS: We hope to add Doug Frantz’s appreciation of Patty Dunn’s work at BAH soon