Penny’s reunion story
Penny’s story started as quite a shock, Penny had come to stay with friends for Christmas when she suddenly fell seriously ill on Christmas night. Rushed to the hospital, her condition was critical.
“It was a matter of three minutes, three hours, or could have been three days. My family were called, my daughter flew back from her holiday, my son came up from Wales, and the rest of the family started to arrive.”
Penny was transferred to the Hospice, where she has received round-the-clock care. It was there, that something amazing happened.
“I was still under quite a lot of drugs, so I wasn’t really aware of what was going on. My daughter was here with her husband, and she said to me, ‘There’s somebody I’d like you to meet, but it’s up to you. I’ve managed to trace your daughter who was adopted.'”
Despite the shock, Penny chose to meet her daughter, who she hadn’t seen for years.
“It was very overwhelming. It was very tearful, and her whole family was here – her husband and three children. Then she met my son, my other daughter, her husband, and my granddaughter. It became quite a big gathering.”
A meal to remember
Wanting to make the most of their time together, Penny asked if they could have a meal as a family outside of her room, rather than all squeezing in to eat.
“It was just amazing. The table was set beautifully, we had the whole garden room to ourselves, and Rob, the chef, waited on us. He looked like he really enjoyed it, almost like he was dancing! The food was wonderful, and the whole thing was just brilliant for everybody. It gave us a chance to meet each other in a relaxed place.”
The meal was funded by Bring a Smile, Make a Difference – something Penny hadn’t expected.
“I couldn’t believe it when the nurses told me the cost of the meal was already covered. It was just another example of the kindness and generosity here.”
“I can’t tell you how fantastic the Hospice is – absolutely amazing. The staff are so kind, nothing is too much for them. They’re such lovely people, more like friends really. They sit and chat, and it’s lovely to have them here.”
Penny never imagined what a hospice would be like, but she was surprised by the warmth and care. “There’s always a smile, a ‘Hello, Penny!’ and they’re ready to chat – there’s never a rush. One day, a nurse said, ‘It’s my day off, I’m going to take you for a walk in the garden.’ It was so special.”
Penny’s beloved dog was even able to visit. ” My dog, who had been with a friend, jumped up on the bed with me – it was wonderful.”
Looking ahead
Penny’s condition has improved dramatically, “It was touch and go when I first came in, and now I’ve been able to reunite with my daughter and enjoy a lovely lunch with my whole family. I was really struggling to carry on when I was in the hospital. But now, all of this has happened, it’s like a new life. We’ll be having big family gatherings from now on, from all over England and Wales.”
