We are a big family and we were all made to feel welcome. Myself, my sister and two brothers all stayed at the hospice and took it in turns to be with Mum, we wouldn’t have been able to do that in hospital. Her grandkids were her world and the hospice allowed us to be together as a family. It meant the world to Mum to have her grandkids close. I’m not saying it was easy, of course it wasn’t, the reality was someone we loved dearly was dying but Dove House helped us get through it and made it as easy as it could possibly be.
We took great comfort in the gardens, they were a place of relief when it all got a bit much. A place to gather my thoughts and tears, a place my boys could enjoy. I also spent some time in the York Room, it was peaceful and it was heart-warming to read other family’s messages and comments in the Book of Remembrance, just to know we were not alone was a great reassurance, to know all the feelings and emotions I had, others had too. Everyone at Dove House supported us. From the nurses and doctors to the cleaners and kitchen staff. Knowing that on a night I could go into the kitchen and make a cuppa and always have someone to talk to really helped me to cope.
When the time came, we were all there by Mum’s side, just like she wanted. They allowed us as long as we needed to say goodbye properly. I cannot even put into words the difference they made to my Mum and to us. I cannot thank Dove House enough. I literally cannot express how thankful we all are for the love and kindness Dove House showed us.
The hospice is like a paradise, I know that sounds weird but that’s what it feels like. It’s so far removed from anything like being in hospital, it’s where you would want your loved ones to have their final days.
Without Dove House I don’t know what we would have done. In a way they brought our family together when we needed it most.”