Spreading the Hospice Message
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Birds often fly in a "V" formation, especially when they migrate from colder to warmer
climates. According to scientific studies, as each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift
for the bird immediately following, by flying in a "V" formation the whole flock has at
least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. This is a wonderful
reminder that those of us in hospice work ¡V who share a common direction and
sense of community ¡V can get where we are going quicker and easier because we
are travelling on the thrust of one another. |
When a bird falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying
to go alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting
power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as the birds, we too will stay in
formation with those who are heading the same way we are going.
When the lead bird gets tired, it rotates
back in the wing and another bird flies
front. In the same way, we need to take
turns doing the sometimes difficult and
hard jobs. And those up front often need
to hear the encouraging sounds of those
behind them.
When a bird gets sick or is wounded and falls out, two other birds fall out of
formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with the bird until it is
either able to fly or until it dies. Then the two birds launch out on their own, or with
another formation, to catch up with their own group. This is in effect, part of our
work - to stand by each other, to help one another as long as we can or as long
as we are needed.
The birds in our logo seem to soar away, not alone but together. But the circle they
form is open - a reminder that our work goes on and on, and it is a welcome for
others to join.
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