Letter: Grateful for lessons on life

Ever wonder what the Sudbury Maison Vale Hospice is all about? My brother and I thought we knew what a hospice was — until we brought our mother there to live out her final days. We quickly realized that it was much more than a modern building facing a lake, surrounded by beautiful gardens offering peace and serenity.

For the next 52 days, we would become students again, ironically, learning life lessons in a place usually associated with death. We found inspiration from our courageous mother, fellow residents and all the people that cared for her during her final journey.

Our mother always had the gift of appreciating the simple things in life. It was even more evident in her final days. She would smile when she received a meal prepared in the kitchen just for her. Or when a PSW made an effort to spoil her, paint her nails and make her feel like a lady again, or when a nurse took extra time to ensure she was truly comfortable and pain free. We learnt just how powerful little acts of kindness and compassion could really be.

The hospice also allowed us to step away from the role of caregivers and let us be our mother’s children again recounting old memories and surprisingly, under the circumstances, creating new ones. We learnt to appreciate how precious time really is, measuring it now in minutes and hours as opposed to months and years.

The hospice is undoubtedly a beautiful place, but without its people, it is only bricks and mortar. They are the very essence of the hospice. They are truly remarkable people, who in the darkest hours can find a way to shine.

We are grateful our mother was able to spend her final days in the care of the hospice and die with the dignity that she deserved.

The Maison Vale Hospice found a way into our hearts and we will always carry a piece of it with us as we move forward in our lives. We would like to think that our mom left her mark on the hospice and its people, as well.

Please continue with all the good work you do for the families of Sudbury. Sincere thanks from Angele and Richard Poitras in memory of our “Mimi,” Madeleine Genier.

Angele Poitras
Naughton