Robin and Merin Yoshida

When a medical mix-up almost killed 14-year-old Mika Yoshida,

death became a reality for her mother, Robin, and her younger sister,

Merin. During the three years that Mika was ill, it seemed to her

family that the doctors didn’t really care. At 11, Merin decided, “I

can do this, and I can do it better.”

Now Merin, 21, and Robin, 53, volunteer as a mother-daughter team

at the Companion Hospice in Orange, assisting terminally ill patients

with six months or less to live. Well-intentioned people often ask

how they can hang out with people who are dying. But for Robin and

Merin, it is more like spending time with a friend.

“We only do what we are good at, and I am a good friend,” Robin

said.

They rent videos, call for no reason, buy groceries, cook soup and

tidy up, but, at the end of the day, it is just about being there.

Trust develops, friendship happens, and it really doesn’t matter for

how long. With death lurking in the shadows, there is no wasting

time.

“You may not know this person your whole life, but the things you

share together are things I can’t even talk to my good friends

about,” Merin said.

When Robin started at the hospice a year after her daughter she

discovered an uncanny similarity of interests and personal connection

with her first patient and new friend. Merin seemed fated to help the

same woman. Now they are a kind of tag team -- going in separately,

offering their individual talents and covering one another when

conflicts arise. Their friend loves it.

About 30 years ago, Robin was easing new souls into the world with

natural childbirth. Now she does the same work, easing them back out.

Merin’s experiences have prepared her for a future career in

medicine. Still, it is tough to get that inevitable phone call. “I

cry,” she said.

But by hanging out with people who are dying, Robin and Merin have

learned about living. Merin has gone skydiving, expresses love for

her family and sets bigger goals than she had before her involvement

with Companion Hospice.

“It is important to live hard, work hard and play hard,” Merin

said.

“Yes,” Robin eagerly agreed, “that’s our family motto.”

-- Story and photo by Coral Wilson