I want to share a recent heartwarming story that deeply moved me. It’s about Shane and his three final wishes as he approaches the end of his journey.

Shane was told his time was short. He had three wishes he wanted to fulfil in the time he has left: to feel grass underfoot, taste a green apple, and eat an ice block.

The ice block would be easy, we had plenty of ice blocks as our patients may have swallowing difficulties and good old fashioned ice blocks can be most refreshing.

Grass underfoot was going to be more challenging!

His mobility had worsened as he had become weaker. Stuck in bed for weeks. Stuck inside, breathing conditioned air. His only view of the outside was through a window. The first day with us he was too tired to do anything.

Could he be hoisted into a wheelchair? Would we have to push his bed out into our courtyard, over to the lawn? Could he sit up in bed? Or could we bring a piece of turf into his room? Maybe a combination of all three wishes, an icy green apple and grass slushy? Maybe not. Thanks to the kind efforts of one of our physiotherapists and nursing staff a short trip in a wheelchair was enabled. 

Out into the sunlight, a gentle breeze on his face, Shane was wheeled out towards a fine collection of chlorophyll. Slippers off. Feet resting on lawny goodness. A man communing with nature. He lay back in a reclined position, his head propped up by a soft pillow. A satisfied smile in his eyes and mouth. Contented bliss. A momentary escape from his journey. A relaxing dose of normality. A simple pleasure.

Palliative Care the Tōtara Way.

Death is the one guarantee in our lives, and you only get one chance to get it right. Hospice is not only about dying; it is about helping patients live life to the fullest, with the time they have left – living well and dying with dignity.