Bereavement Support
For 10 years, Terry Hill has stopped by The Stabler Centre every December 5th with bud vases of red roses for every room. It’s just one of the ways he honours his beloved wife, Anne, who passed away there at the age of 49, on that date in 2007. “Annie used to bring flowers to the hospital and give them out to people there,” remembers Terry.
“It’s such a small thing, but I’ll always do it.” Terry vividly recalls the experience his family had at The Stabler Centre during Anne’s eight-day stay. “From the moment we got there, we knew we were in the right place,” explains Terry. “While Annie was in hospice, I was able to just be her husband again.” When Terry wanted to sing Amazing Grace to his wife, but couldn’t remember the words, a kind nurse tracked down the lyrics, then joined him at Anne’s bedside to sing. “She had the voice of an angel,” he recalls. “It gave me goosebumps, and it is a highlight of my life that she did that for Annie.”
“I can’t say enough good things about The Stabler Centre,” states Terry. “It is a place where people go to live to the end with a better quality of life and more dignity.”
Since Anne’s death, Terry has found solace in hiking. Now, he volunteers with Hospice Niagara to coordinate Mindfulness Hikes for people in Niagara who are bereaved. For Terry, it’s his way of giving back to the place where he and his family found comfort.
There are several Bereavement Programs which are offered to anyone who is grieving, regardless if their loved used the services, and are directed towards children, adolescent and adults.
Grieving for a loved one is never easy and the holiday season may enhance emotions. If you or a family member would benefit from support Hospice Niagara is hosting sessions that will provide meaningful strategies to help you cope during the holidays.