George Merrill was a human treasure. Many reader’s words expressed this in the Comment section of The Spy following his essays this last year and were certainly evident at his memorial service.
I would like to add my own memory of him when he was employed as the Chaplain for Talbot Hospice in the late 1990’s. It was a great match for his interest in loss, aging and dying and Hospice’s mission which includes the spiritual meaning of life as it begins to come to a close.
George’s segment of Volunteer Training was, as you can imagine, a participatory, deep dive into self-examination and shared experiences. As in his writing this last year, George was very open about his own personal experiences. Most people had never delved so openly or intimately into how they interpreted the meaning of their own lives and what loss would look like for them. He was truly interested in the experiences and thoughts of others. You knew that George was as much a listener and learner as he was teacher and guide. It deepened the compassion and understanding of the journey of Hospice patients and families for the prospective volunteers.
Like these volunteers, many, many members of the community were privileged to also make the deep dive into self examination of the meaning of their own lives and attitudes toward loss and dying on Sundays when reading George’s reflections.
George is no longer with us but he has written indelibly on our hearts. And fortunately, Hospice, which many of you know is important to me, is always here as the people who continue to discuss, share and comfort the fear of loss of oneself and the loss of a person we love.
Liz Freedlander was the first executive director of Talbot Hospice.
Anne Pilert says
We were all blessed to have had the wit, wisdom and reflective thoughts of George Merrill over the last 20+ years. I’m so glad that I was able to attend the Celebration of Life for George and feel his spirit thru the words spoken by Greg Powell in his homily. I was moved by the stories of how George’s spirituality was forged and shared! We all look forward to re reading the essays George left us as he and Jo finished the Last Lap…He has left us much to ponder and guide us.
Clare kettell says
You couldn’t have said it any better. George had such wisdom & understanding of human life. And he was a listener which is so important .. He will be remembered fondly.
Samantha McCall says
So beautifully written Liz. Thanks for sharing your lovely words.
Lyn Banghart says
Thank you for this, Liz. This especially touched me: “He was truly interested in the experiences and thoughts of others. You knew that George was as much a listener and learner as he was teacher and guide.” This was so very evident during the first lengthy conversation we had with George about a month before he left us. It was a large part of what made him such a special person. We miss George every day…..
I also want to say thank you to Hospice for always being there when needed. We are so lucky to have Talbot Hospice.
Adams, Kathryn (Kitty) says
Liz, you hit the nail on the head with your commentary about George and his compassion to help others. Thank you for writing this and letting others know George in a new way. He will live in my heart forever.
Sheila Buckmaster says
Thank you, Liz, for this sweet, wise remembrance.