The Last New Person You Meet.
All through our lives we meet new people. Daily, weekly, monthly, yearly. One by one we learn new names that go with a new face. Sometimes a barista making you your favorite coffee while on vacation never to be seen again. Sometimes it’s a teacher that will leave a lasting impression on you for the rest of your life. When I became a Notary Public I did not fully understand what the importance of my job would be. Sure I knew that I would be notarizing signatures on paperwork that could and would change peoples lives but I didn’t think about the human part, the best part really. A little background on me. I always wanted to help people, I went to school for human services at a community college, then went on to get my bachelors degree in photography focusing on how to help people though art and ending up with my masters degree in psychology.
I have always truly cared for people, and I found out that being a Notary is truly special. Over the years I have seen people who are signing papers to get an adoption finalized, to get married, to buy a house and more. Times that are truly special and days the signers will never forget. On the other side, I see people in the ICU, in hospice and in their homes just hoping to stay on earth long enough to get their last wishes finalized to give them some final peace. It’s in these moments that I have realized, that for some, I am the last new person they will ever meet. I do not take this honor lightly. I do not come in, sign some paperwork and quickly leave. Though I am only with my clients for 15-30 minutes I form a connection with them. I learn from them and often we just hold hands for a bit as I get ready to leave. Each one of them leaving something special with me. Just last week I was in the living room of a terminal woman not much older than myself. Her family was sitting all around her in this soothing and warm space. I was grateful to meet her and her family as in just that short amount of time I grew into a better person, as I do with every end of life meeting. These are the times I can not say, “Have a great day.” instead I wish them comfort and thank them for letting me be there.
Yesterday I received a phone call. His friend was in ICU and was not expected to make it until the end of today. They needed a Last Will and Testament, Healthcare Directives and Power of Attorneys for Finance and Medical and they needed it first thing in the morning. So first thing this morning to get ready to leave my house and head to the ICU, heart a little heavy. I get to the room and see my client sitting upright on his bed, huge smile and loud warm welcome and laughter in his voice. He was beaming from roof top to roof top letting his good friends that walked in with me that he did it, he fought, and he was going to make it. The somber room filled with hope and love. As I left I went to shake his hand and he put his other on top of mine. Then, I reached over with my other hand on top of his and felt the warmth and energy that we shared, both knowing in that moment that everything was going to be okay, no matter what. This time we said “See you later!” and as I left, small tears formed in my eyes as I was grateful for getting to meet not just him but every signer I get to work with. My job is more than paperwork, its human connection and comfort. I am so very lucky to be a Notary.
Niki
A mobile notary, nursing home notary, end of life notary, hospital notary, hospice notary, and most importantly a compassionate notary.