Pancho of Pacifica, California

Pancho

I had a wonderful week with the Missionaries of Charity in Pacifica. At this location the nuns, or sisters as they call themselves, operate a hospice for the “poorest of the poor” to receive special end of life care. The hospice is appropriately called the Gift of Love. Sometimes the residents get better and leave the hospice. Most of the time they pass away in peace under the loving care of the sisters and the volunteers.

One of my favorite residents is Pancho. He's going on 105 years old, has a full head of hair that makes me envy, and sometimes in the evenings he will sing for 20-30 minutes in Spanish. Everyone pauses to listen and admire his voice.

Each time I see Pancho I say “hola, como estas?” (“Hello, how are you?”) He will light up and say, “Estoy Bien. Gracias a Dios!” (“I’m doing great. Thanks be to God!”) Pancho is a very thoughtful and kind man and I’ve never met a volunteer that doesn’t want to help and spend time Pancho.

If the pressures of life are too heavy, if you have complaints about your life, or feel depressed, I can suggest a cure for you problems. Lay your cares aside and go visit someone like Poncho at a nearby hospice. There are likely dozens near you home with residents who would love a visit, a friendly smile and a warm and thoughtful conversation. The most effective remedy for self-pity is to love oneself in the service of others.