In 1981 I was working as a nurse (night duty) at Harold McCracken House (Nursing Home) in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
At that time part (ten beds) of the nursing home was dedicated to Palliative Care (Hospice)
A two-year pilot program.
This was the first palliative care service in Australia, funded by the Kellogg Foundation (USA.)
At the time I was reading a very powerful book by Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross “On Death & Dying” Her book inspired me to reflect, think, and experience death in a very different way.
Yesterday I had the privilege to attend a fundraiser “The Long Lunch” an event for Katie Rose Cottage Hospice and the Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club Organized by Peregian Family & Friends. Spirit of Peregian
There were tears, laughter, joy, awesome guest speakers, and some wonderful food and wine shared by the 150+ people who attended.
My good friend Nicola bought me a ticket and invited me to attend when we met on the grass in front of the big Marque, I said this is my first “virgin” outing since the passing of our beautiful Jean. She gave me a squeeze and we headed in to find our seats for the Long lunch.
Did I feel like going out yesterday Probably not if I was honest.
I went because I feel deeply inspired by the work of the Katie Rose Cottage Hospice.
Currently, they only have 3 beds available at any one time for people entering the last stage of life care.
The service they provide is exceptional and remarkable.
After experiencing their care (for 6 days) for my partner of 26 years Jean, I am forever touched by their care and deep respect for the human spirit.
These 6 days did not cost us anything!
Amazing, extraordinary, and powerfully inclusive to all who enter there.
The people and I who loved Jean were able to visit knowing they would be welcomed with a smile and, sometimes, a cuppa and a freshly baked scone (baked by the volunteers).
Our two standard Poodles Mr Oliver and Ruby Tuesday were also included and visited their “Mama” every day and some of these days were incredibly long.
The first day I took the dogs to be with Jean I entered via the manicured garden, with the deck opening to Jean’s room via large French doors.
Ruby Tuesday was so excited to see her Mama she launched herself onto the bed with Jean, It was a beautiful sight as she licked Jean’s face and hands with such care. Mr Oliver just put his head on the bed and there he stayed.
They were there at the end, being supportive and providing a silent vigil by her bed, were a comfort for me and I know it would have been a deeply moving time for Jean.
It’s astonishing to me to think how it takes so many decades and experiencing so many deaths to truly appreciate and value the time spent with someone I loved for those most precious times that will be in my heart forever.
Not like in 1981 (in which I had a very small part) when the first Hospice pilot program was started by Melbourne City Mission.
We have here on the Sunshine Coast Katie Rose Cottage Hospice , magnificent, and impressive and it sets the standard for palliative care in Australia.
I am sure you have heard that saying they are:
“One in A Million”
Well, they are!
They are inclusive, respectful, kind considerate, and caring and the people who work there, and give service there, are in my opinion deeply committed to honoring the dying process.
Thank you.
I am inspired by the service you provide in our tiny part of the world.