End of Life care or losing someone we love is one of life’s most difficult experiences, and we can struggle to navigate these times on our own.
A few years ago, our community was suddenly without supportive care services, and we all worried what that would mean for friends, neighbours and family who might need specialized support when they are most vulnerable.
Fortunately, Heron Hospice Society of Delta has restored service in the Harold and Veronica Centre for Supportive Care and provides trained volunteers within Irene Thomas Hospice. There are a variety of supports tailored to individual needs, ranging from access to a lending library, to therapeutic options such as art therapy and group or individual counselling. Now, outreach is extending support to North Delta and Tsawwassen communities.
One of the books recently added to the lending library is In an Instant: Stories of Resilience and Courage authored by Kim Mooney, one of Heron Hospice’s board of directors.
The book tells stories of people who learned when going through their own grief journey that, “you can go on, even when you aren’t sure how.”
She is just one of the many compassionate individuals at Heron Hospice who have been determined to create a supportive care society from scratch, which is no small feat as these services are not publicly funded.
Since joining the board just over a year ago, I have had the privilege to listen to stories from participants about how important it is to connect with others who share their experience and to find help to hold space for memories while finding a path forward that is both healing and meaningful. It is never too early or too late to seek support and thanks to Heron Hospice’s skilled staff and exceptional volunteers, know that when needed, comfort and care will be there for us.
