Tomblin recognized Hospice volunteers from across the state, especially those who are participating in Hospice’s “We Honor Veterans” program.
Six veterans were on hand to receive certificates for their work at Hospice. Terry Blake was one of them. He’s a retired Marine and has been working with Hospice in Huntington
“There’s a camaraderie between veterans no matter how long you served or what branch you served,” Blake explained. “We have that way of talking to each other. Even when we don’t talk, we can speak the unspoken word.”
Blake often sits with fellow veterans in Hospice care for hours listening to and talking with them about their time in the service.
“I’ll talk to them about places I’ve been stationed, places they’ve been stationed,” he said. “Talk to them about the difference between civilian life and being in the service.”
He also helps counsel families as they let go of their loved ones. He says becoming a hospice volunteer can take it’s toll and it’s not always easy to let go.
“That’s the hardest part,” stressed Blake. “The saying of good-bye, the final taps, if you would.”
But he says it’s a calling and one he feels honored to do.
“When you can put a smile on anyone’s face, it makes you feel good inside.”
He says making those last few days and hours a little bit easier to handle is a gift.
