Our lives were forever changed in February 2021.  I received devastating news – the kind you never want to hear: My Dad had terminal cancer. My heart stopped and my world was forever changed. It was a journey like none other. One I could never have prepared for and an outcome I could not change no matter how hard I tried. A journey I never wanted to walk with a man who was my beloved father, my mentor, hero and a very dear friend of mine.

I savoured every moment I had with him along the way and didn’t let a day go by without seeing him. And then the day came when the Dr. asked if she could discuss hospice care with my mom and me. She described a lovely place where Dad would be comfortable and receive the best care possible.

I didn’t comprehend those words until I experienced them for myself. My Dad spent 3 weeks at Carpenter Hospice and I couldn’t have asked for anything more for my dear father. Everyone treated him with utmost care and respect. They sought to care for him as an individual and treated him like he was the only resident in the home. They made sure he enjoyed his favourite foods which included eggs for breakfast and vanilla ice cream for dessert. And when my nephew was married during that time, they dressed Dad in his finest so he could celebrate the day as he watched the service over Zoom. A caring and gifted team of nurses and caregivers took care of all of Dad’s physical and medical needs so my Mom could be by his side right up to the final moment – the very thing my Dad wanted.

As sad as my heart is to no longer have my Dad here on earth with me, my heart is filled with gratitude to everyone at the hospice for the gift of time and special moments they gave to me and my family through this difficult journey.

On June 3, I am walking for a cause close to my heart! I will be participating in the Hike for Carpenter Hospice, a compassionate and supportive community of staff members, volunteers and donors dedicated to providing both residential-based care to people in the last stages of their lives, and community-based programs for people dealing with grief or a life-limiting illness.

Funds raised at the hike helps to ensure that the hospice can continue to offer its essential programs and services at no cost to residents, families and program participants.

Every dollar counts. Please help me in supporting this great cause so families like mine can experience this same blessing.