As I discussed in a previous article, I volunteer with Compassion In Action, a group that visits hospice patients. At the beginning of 1998, some of us went through the San Diego Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital volunteer training program so we could visit dying veterans. It was difficult to see many soldiers who had fought in World War II, Korea or Vietnam dying with few family members or friends at their side.

There was, however, one patient, Woody, who had a big support group. He had been in World War II and had been given six months to live in the fall of 1997, when he was diagnosed with cancer that had spread throughout his entire body. I began visiting him weekly in the spring of 1998, and he and I had many good laughs.

For the next three years Woody was tested at the neighboring University of California San Diego Medical Center because they couldn’t understand why he was living when his x-rays showed that he should be dead. The physicians finally concluded it was his strong spirit and will to live that were keeping him alive. Woody died in the summer of 2001, and I felt honored that he considered me a friend.

In 2002 I met George. He had been in Vietnam and wasn’t a hospice patient but had been stricken with multiple sclerosis. I was amazed by his positive attitude even though he was bedridden and unable to do much by himself. He also had a great sense of humor.

One time when my wife Karmyn and I visited George, the nursing staff was giving him a birthday party and he was so happy and grateful. Recently he seemed really depressed, so I put the comedy “Hitch” in the VCR, and in no time he was laughing and enjoying it. Even though he has his ups and downs, he is always kind and appreciative.

Throughout the years I’ve met other special veterans there, all very courageous despite their circumstances. They didn’t feel sorry for themselves or blame anyone for their troubles, and they always appreciated my visits. No matter how I may have helped them, they did more for me by their examples of strength during adversity. I was always reminded of how fortunate I am to be healthy and able to do for myself the simple things that so many of us take for granted.

Next year my wife and I will begin taking communion to sick parishioners from our church. We look forward to volunteering together and meeting people who will be thankful for the service as well as to have visitors. We hope we can bring them some happiness, and we know it will be a blessing for our marriage.

I think that when we serve others it is encouraging and inspiring to remember what Jesus said: 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' [Matthew 25:34-40]