By Denise Imbeau
Published: May 3, 2014
I remember ever detail the day my grandmother died. Her seven children and many of her grandchildren kept vigil for three days and nights, watching and waiting for the breath that would be her last.
Together as a family in her room at Hilltop House, we took shifts laughing, crying, telling stories, expressing disappointments, even a bit of anger surfaced, swirled around the room and fizzled away.
Her breathing became steadily more ragged and uneven until finally she took one long last breath, held it for an excruciating time. It was all over but the grieving had only just begun.
When it comes, death surprises us by the affect it has on us. We are surprised by the darkness of the grief, the depth it cuts to, and the way it lingers and fills our days.
Hospice is caring for the terminally ill physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They aim to support people to “live” until they die, to have dignity to the last breath.
Hospice is also for those left behind. Offering programs that support you as you journey through your grief. After the family and friends have moved on and you are still weighted with grief, Hospice is there. The Hospice Society is for everyone who will or is dying, and for the rest left behind, that means Hospice is for everyone.
The Squamish Rotary Club encouraged by founding member Lloyd Ingraham and championed by 2014 President Mike Nasu is highlighting Hospice this year as the President’s project.
“None of us want to think about death but all of us are going to be affected by it at some point,” he said.
This year the Squamish Rotary Club is supporting the Hike for Hospice on Sunday, May 4th, from 1 – 3 pm starting at Brennan Park Leisure Centre.
The Rotary Club is hoping to raise $50,000 to raise awareness about our local Hospice and to help support essential programs with two walks: A
shorter, gentler 1 km loop, and a more exuberant hike to the top of the Smoke Bluffs and back.
Participants hiking at either level are asked to raise money or donate to the cause either individually or as a team, and if a donation is not possible participants are encouraged to participate as a show of support for those presently requiring the support of Hospice.
Hospice supports compassionate care directed towards the dying, their loved ones and the bereaved in our community. Please show your support and hike with us on May 4, visit www.squamishhospice.com to register online or download your pledge sheet or link to create your online presence and begin collecting pledges.
Wolfgang W says
Very well said, Denise. Hospice Societies, wherever they exist, do marvellous work in giving companionship and dignity to those departing and also to the ones left behind. It is in their nature not being heard of a lot, but simply being there, listening and comforting during times no human being can avoid. John Donne put it aptly 400 years ago, when he wrote ‘Do not ask for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee…’
The Squamish Hospice Society deserves the support of all of us.