The following story is a feature from Hospice Halifax’s 2024 Annual Impact Report.
Read the full report here.
Sometimes, I miss Hospice Halifax. My daughter Avery, who is nine years old, asks me if it’s normal for her to feel the same way. It might seem amazing, but I know we feel this way because of the care that Rob Keith, my husband and Avery’s dad, received when he was a patient at Hospice Halifax from October 12 to October 30, 2023.
My family felt safe at Hospice Halifax right from the start of Rob’s stay. It was emotional to leave our family home, so before Rob arrived, staff helped us bring in personal items to let Avery decorate the room for her daddy. I was relieved by how light and warm Hospice Halifax felt and Avery’s excitement at her work.
Rob was the best daddy, and it was important to him that Avery felt comfortable. Seeing Avery run in the garden or play with the toys set out by staff brought Rob a lot of peace.
Rob cared about other people. He loved researching and learning new things and wasn’t shy about sharing what he knew to help his friends. People will say to me, “Rob’s still helping out.” Last week, his past advice on car warranties saved his friend $6,000.
Before Rob arrived at hospice, his illness progressed to where he was confined to bed. From this, we purchased a larger-sized care bed and started a family routine of spending time in it. Whether we were watching movies or Avery was nestled up with a book or tablet, those moments were special to us.
The staff at Hospice Halifax understood how important this routine was for our family. When I broached the idea of bringing Rob’s bed from home to Hospice, I wasn’t sure how they would respond. However, they fully supported our request and the bed was delivered the next day.
Being able to continue relaxing in bed together during a challenging time was a huge source of comfort. It was during these moments that we began to think about how we could give back to Hospice Halifax.
I then discovered cuddle beds. These fantastic care beds extend to accommodate loved ones, so that they can lie beside their person in care and offer a physical source of support. It was the perfect gift to help other families experience the same closeness that Hospice Halifax gave to us.
I shared my idea with Rob, and we decided to make it a reality. So, I launched “Cuddles for Christmas” and started fundraising before Rob’s funeral service. By the end of January 2024, the donation goal for one cuddle bed was reached. The generosity from people only affirmed to me the impact that Rob had on people.
Today, hearing the stories of families benefiting from the cuddle bed at Hospice Halifax warms my heart. Rob’s way of caring for others lives on through these beds, and I’m so grateful to keep his legacy.
Avery and I talk about Rob every day. We laugh about his stories and “Robisms.” Having Rob’s final days be somewhere we could create positive memories is something that I wish for every family.
Hospice Halifax is a part of us now, just like Rob is, and I feel so lucky.
Thank you,
Tasha
Tasha dreams of the day when all ten rooms at Hospice Halifax come with cuddle beds for patients and families. After successfully raising funds for one bed, Tasha has kept her fundraising open to support her wish for Rob’s legacy.
