Shining the Light on Compassus Volunteers: Mickey Smith's Story
At Compassus, we believe in the power of compassion and the impact it has on those facing the end-of-life journey. Behind our hospice program are dedicated volunteers who selflessly give their time and hearts to support our patients and their families. Today, we’re honored to shine the light on one such volunteer, Mickey Smith, whose journey with Compassus exemplifies the essence of care, kindness, and our ‘Care for Who I am’ philosophy.
Mickey’s connection with Compassus began in 2012 when he volunteered with our team in Sedona, Arizona. However, life’s journey led him to Oklahoma, where his passion for serving others remained strong. Despite feeling the urge to volunteer again with Compassus, Mickey hadn’t made the call—until fate intervened in a serendipitous encounter.
As Mickey recounts, while dropping off medication for his wife at her part-time job in Owasso, Oklahoma, he encountered a Compassus marketer donning our trademark Compassus T-shirt. Believing in signs, Mickey struck up a conversation and exchanged numbers. This chance meeting sparked a renewed sense of purpose, leading Mickey to join our Tulsa, Oklahoma team.
But what drives someone like Mickey to volunteer with hospice? Mickey’s story is deeply rooted in personal experiences of loss and transformation. He shares poignant memories of bidding farewell to his beloved mother, a cherished horse, and his wife—each transition leaving an indelible mark on his heart.
Mickey’s profound understanding of grief and loss fuels his desire to serve those preparing for the end of life and support the bereaved. Through his journey of healing and self-discovery, Mickey embraces compassion, openness, and mindfulness as guiding principles.
“Grief Is a passage,” Mickey reflects, acknowledging the complex emotions that accompany loss. Yet, through his journey, he finds solace in helping others navigate their own paths of grief and transformation.
Mickey’s message resonates with profound wisdom and kindness: “Love life—Be happy—Help those who are unable to help themselves whether it be physically, emotionally, spiritually. Most of all, stay true to your Ideals. Be kind to ALL animals.”
In Mickey Smith, we find a beacon of light—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless capacity for compassion. His dedication to serving others illuminates the essence of our Compassus family, where every volunteer plays an integral role in honoring life’s sacred journey.
As we celebrate Volunteer Month, let us extend our deepest gratitude to Mickey and all our volunteers, whose unwavering commitment and compassion enrich the lives of those we serve.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer click here.
To learn more about our Tulsa, Oklahoma program click here.
