Hospice of Valleys chaplain: Seek chances for growth

A note to the public from Bill Koster, chaplain at Hospice of the Valleys:

Whenever I hear the word crisis, I remember that the Chinese word for crisis has two symbols: The first one meaning danger, the second one meaning opportunity. As I reflect on COVID-19, social distancing and all the handwashing underscores the danger, but I was reminded about the opportunities for growth and learning.

Isolation provides the opportunity for silence, solitude and a space for reflection. Away from the noise, away from the news, I find the value of breathing deeply, listening, reflecting, praying, and affirming what gives meaning and purpose to my life. I have the opportunity to be reminded of what gives peace to my heart. I am reminded of the importance of others who have brought calm, hope, perspective in times of danger, stress, anxiety and worry.

It gives me the resolve to be an anchor to others, to look for opportunities to throw an emotional rope of hope and to practically be present to those around me.

Isolation can be a place to renew our strength, to observe and to listen. I hope during this very strange and unique time that makes us feel vulnerable and anxious, that we also look for the opportunities for growth.

Bill Koster
Hospice of the Valleys Chaplain

About Hospice of the Valleys
Hospice of the Valleys is a 37-year-old nonprofit hospice organization headquartered in Murrieta. Its mission is to foster reverence for life, relief of suffering, and compassion in loss for the terminally ill patients in the communities they serve. The service area includes Southwest Riverside County/Fallbrook and care is provided wherever our patients call home – a residence, board & care, or other facility. Hospice of the Valleys is also a community resource provider that offers free, public grief support groups, Alzheimer’s support groups, educational workshops, and more. It is also a proud partner of the We Honor Veterans program.