I suspect people think Hospice is a sad place. And that wasn’t our experience. 
Barry was the love of my life. I called him Bear. He was handsome, funny, and he loved to sing. We were both part of the choir at Bridgenorth United. Bear was a partner in a way that I haven’t had a partner before. I miss him. Every day. He was a bit older than I am, so we always approached our relationship with our eyes open. Our reality? I would likely outlive him.
In 2011, he got a call from his doctor. We walked to the follow-up appointment together. A mass in his kidney. Surgery needed immediately.
Bear recovered. Next, it was prostate cancer, then double bypass heart surgery. And in 2013, to support his limited kidney function, he started on dialysis.
We moved back to the Peterborough area, living with my mom. As time went on, she too needed some support. Unless you’re a caregiver, it’s difficult to comprehend the daily stress and worry.
I started to attend Hospice Peterborough’s Caregivers’ Group. It was a lifesaver.
My personal connection to Hospice Peterborough began here.
I’m sharing my story to remind you that Hospice offers crucial support at every stage of an illness journey. Whenever you need it, it’s here for you.
Being on dialysis for over a decade was taking its toll on Barry. He was sleeping a lot more during the day. His cognitive abilities were worsening. The last straw? He had trouble singing each week at church. Bear began to discuss the possibility of ending his treatments with his dialysis team. “You realize the outcome of this,” they told him, “You’re going to die.” He was aware.
As we began to make plans for the end of Bear’s life, Hospice Peterborough was top of mind. It was always my hope he would feel comfortable there.
What would we have done without this beautiful, new facility and its programs?
Hospice Peterborough was there for me and my family. Your gift today can provide the same comfort and support to so many more in their time of need.
After a final trip to Dairy Queen, Bear and I made our way to Hospice Peterborough so he could settle into a bright and spacious room for our final moments together.
We had fantastic visits with friends and family in the weeks leading up to Barry’s death. Pluto, our Havanese-Bichon dog, was with us every step of the way. Andrea, the Hospice chef, was incredible, bringing Barry his final full meal: an amazing beef stroganoff. 
I have to tell you about Pluto. When Bear was nearing the end, Pluto was watching. Bear was in bed, and Pluto was on his legs, keeping an eye on the nurses. In those last minutes, Pluto moved down to the end of Bear’s feet. As Bear took his last breath, Pluto dropped his head over Bear’s foot. Like he knew.
Pluto never looked for Bear after that. As I share this moment with you, I’m crying, and I’m grateful for it. In our Caregivers’ Group, we often talk about how easy it is to disconnect from your emotions when someone you love becomes a patient. I can cry now. And I’ve learned it’s a healthy thing to do.
Our time at Hospice Peterborough was truly amazing. We laughed in here! It’s just how we cope with things. And nobody was bothered by that; they even joined in at times. Bear could have his Bailey’s; I could have my glass of wine. It just felt so comfortable. It was solemn, of course, but so relaxed.
These days, I’m halfway through Grief Group 2. To be in a group with people who absolutely understand what you’re going through, there’s really nothing like that. Even now, I know Hospice will always be here for me.
We hope that we can once again depend on your gift to ensure Hospice Peterborough can continue to be there for people like you and me? Your generous contribution will provide significant comfort to individuals and families during life’s toughest moments.
Whether it’s a community of fellow caregivers, a warm beef stroganoff made with love, a space for gathering with loved ones and our attentive Pluto, and support now that Barry is gone, the impact of Hospice ripples on.
But it needs our support to continue. Please consider donating.
Together, we can brighten this season for those who need it most.
Wishing you the warmest of holiday greetings,
Susan