Dec
20
Before Anita Bundy died in October, she made me promise to write to the James Bay Beacon extolling the work and kindness of Victoria Hospice staff and volunteers.
Anita loved James Bay. She could look out from her Dallas apartment window and watch the waves, the clouds, the sailboats and ferries.
She had worked for 30 years for the Anglican Church and was a powerful advocate for peace and for Medicare. She was 93 when she died and she was a powerhouse - fiercely independent but always beautifully dressed, even when protesting with the Victoria Raging Grannies. She hated hospitals and did everything she could to avoid them. When she began to fail in health, she fought off any suggestion of going to hospital, even to the Hospice wing of the Royal Jubilee.
What a mercy to discover that Hospice also offers palliative care in a patient's home. For three months, nurses, aides and volunteers kept her comfortable while accepting her wishes for privacy and independence. Anita could be difficult. On occasion, It was her way or no way, but these helpers became her friends. She was able to die peacefully in her own home.
So I hope your older readers feel comfortable, knowing that Hospice can be there for them. And I hope those who can volunteer for, or donate to a good cause remember that even angels need a little help from us.
Alison Acker