For the last three weeks we have been living in a most remarkable home. Its name is Benincasa, and it is a hospice.
When I thought about hospice the first word that came to mind is 'institution.' Benincasa couldn't be farther from that image.
First, it's a real honest to goodness home, and feels like a warm place to be. Secondly, it is mainly staffed by volunteers. Isn't that amazing? This place only functions because people give of themselves. Finally, this place is focused on comfort. Comfort for the sick, and also for family and friends. Whatever you could ask for, they will provide. Heck, we moved in for weeks, and they made us feel like one of the family.
Places like Benincasa are not only special because of the work they do, but by the very fact that they can exist. The cynic in me says that a place like this could never survive on volunteers and donations. And the cynic is proven 100% wrong.
One message I got from being here is simple: there's simply no excuse to not go out and make a difference in people's lives. They do it here, every day, 24 hours a day.
Here's an idea - check to see if there's a hospice home in your local area, and if so donate to them. It can be your time, money, or even a plate of cookies.
If there's no hospice in your area, you can always give to Benincasa: 3880 Rush-Mendon Road; Mendon, NY 14506. I promise you'll be happy you did.
-For DJB-
--Ben
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