A glimpse of the closing hours of life - from an Anna Chaplain

Essex Anna Chaplain Eileen Simmons

We like to share with you from time to time what Anna Chaplains tell us about their life and ministry. Eileen Simmons from Leigh-on-Sea in Essex wrote this week to explain what a 'privilege' it is for her 'caring for the dying.'

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'I am a very emotionally labile individual, as my older son tells me.  I cry readily so in the Methodist Covenant Service tears roll down, similarly when I sing verse 4 of Hymn 82 in Singing the Faith, “When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home……”.  Even as I write this I am crying!

Recently a good friend of mine was receiving end-of-life care  and I wanted to see her, and although it was so deeply, deeply, sad not a tear was shed. 

All her family were with her and I visited not knowing how close to death she was. I stood by her bed, held her hand and spoke very gently with her of all the good times we had together. She had been widowed and, as always, I spoke of him. I left silences and simply held her hand and stroked it. I told her that all was well.

It was such a privilege to spend time with her, with no sense of being hurried. She died within hours of my visit.

My visit brought great comfort to her family. I do not think they know I am an Anna Chaplain, but they did talk to me later about how much they valued my visit and thought I was quite experienced with end of life care. The local hospice had been involved and provided hospice home care.'

Eileen Simmons

Anna Chaplain and Methodist Local Preacher

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