The hospice granted what little wishes Donna had which meant to world to us all. I think throughout her illness we came to realise that it’s the little things that matter. One day she mentioned she fancied a snowball and a trifle and just like that the staff appeared with both! We even had a second Christmas at the hospice, we all celebrated together one last time. Dove House helped us make such special memories that live on with us.
Donna said one night “I am dying aren’t I Mum?”. I have never lied to her, I had to say the hardest answer I would ever give her was “yes”. It just wasn’t right; she was still so young, she had so much life left to experience with her children.
We were able to be there until Donna was ready to go. Losing your child is the hardest thing I imagine any parent can ever go through but as a family, we weathered that storm well with the help of Dove House.
Donna will never be forgotten – she goes wherever we go. Bereavement has been hard for me, having to say a final goodbye to your child is something you never expect to have to do, not this way round. The hospice’s family support team have helped such a lot, their kindness, and supportive words have meant I can now look back on the little things and smile.