Page 25 - TOH_Making a difference 2023-2024

“There were two times Peggy was admitted to the Hospice so they could monitor her medication. After the second time, the Hospice staff found her a place at the Masonic Lodge Rest Home to be cared for by the staff there, supported by our Hospice’s Aged Residential Care Team."
"It was very hard being separated from her, but Peggy was too unwell for me to continue caring for her at home 24/7. I did my best, and all I could, but I wasn’t getting much sleep. I didn’t want to give up caring for Peggy, but I know it was the best thing for her. We were a team and I know if I was in the same boat, she would have looked after me too. That’s what marriage is all about isn’t it?”
Pat praises the Hospice staff involved, emphasising how the range of hospice services available made such a difference in helping both him and Peggy. “She loved music, and the Hospice Music Therapist would go to the Masonic Lodge to sing and play guitar for her. It was special. There was also a lady who would visit Peggy with a golden retriever, Peggy really enjoyed that as well.”
“Everyone was wonderful, I received help with arranging a Power of Attorney, and Will. I didn’t know where to start, and the Family Support Team helped put me on the right path and sorted things out. They are simply amazing people, and brilliant at their jobs. Having help to sort those things out gave me more time and energy to concentrate on Peggy and being there for her.”
A month after moving into the Masonic Lodge, at 88 years old, Peggy died, with Pat holding her hand.
Two years on, Pat continues to attend the monthly Bereavement Support group sessions held at the Hospice, it is an opportunity to meet others who have experienced the death of a loved one. “I walk into the Hospice and feel relaxed. Talking with people who can relate to what you are going through is helpful. Afterwards we all have a coffee and something to eat together,” says Pat.
In May, Pat followed Peggy’s wishes by travelling to her birthplace, Port Chalmers, to scatter her ashes in Careys Bay, along with the ashes of their beloved cat Megan. “There is a guy called John McLaughlin with a fishing boat who takes people out free of charge to scatter ashes. It was the most beautiful day, we couldn't have wished for more,” adds Pat.
"We also purchased a brick in the Garden of Appreciation, located in Petone as a tribute to Peggy. The bricks can be ordered through the Hospice, and they are such a beautiful idea. We find it so comforting and special visiting the garden and remembering Peggy."
Today, Pat and one of his daughters generously volunteer their time by collecting donations and holding quiz nights and fundraisers for Te Omanga Hospice and the Cancer Society. “My hope is that I can help in some way to spread the news about what the Hospice does, what a wonderful service it is and how important it is for our community. We are so very grateful for what they did for Peggy, I can’t fault them in any way”, says Pat.
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We’d like to thank Pat and his family for kindly letting us tell their precious story.
Above: Peggy and Pat with daughters May and Lisa.