Heartfelt Journey Through Grief: A Mother’s Mission to Support Others
A Devastating Goodbye
In a poignant reflection of loss, Kirsty Boles recounts the harrowing experience of walking through a hospice to say goodbye to her 20-year-old son, Jack. Her journey through the Hospice in the Weald marked not only a painful chapter in her life but ignited a flame of purpose that now drives her to help other families facing similar heartaches. As she walked down the corridor—often dubbed "the walk from hell"—Kirsty felt a flood of emotions overtake her. “It’s a long walk, it’s a tough walk,” she explains, recalling how she broke down even before stepping into her son’s room.
Jack’s Battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Jack was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia just months shy of his 20th birthday, following what seemed like benign symptoms. From experiencing shoulder pain and tiredness to the alarming admission of swollen testicles, his condition unfurled into a life-altering diagnosis. "You hear the word cancer, and I think the whole world falls apart… everything stops," Kirsty reflects. The diagnosis led them into a whirlwind of medical drama—chemo treatments, hospital admissions, and the haunted surrealness of navigating a health crisis during the pandemic.
Coping Amid the Chaos
Jack’s unwavering positivity stood out to Kirsty during this arduous time. Though he faced immense fear, especially before significant medical procedures, he often reassured her with a smile. Their daily FaceTime calls turned into a lifeline, providing both comfort and connection through the overwhelming uncertainty. “One of the hardest conversations I had to have was when he admitted he was scared of dying,” Kirsty recalled, encapsulating the weight of their shared experience in the face of impending loss.
The Impact of Community and Care
Jack’s experience in hospice care revealed the profound support systems that also exist within these walls. “There’s a lot of love on that ward,” Kirsty shared, even amidst the sorrow. She spoke warmly about the team of nurses and volunteers who genuinely cared for Jack, going above and beyond their duties. This personal connection to the hospice fueled Kirsty’s desire to give back, stirring a commitment to become a volunteer herself.
Volunteering and Transformation
Two years after Jack’s passing, Kirsty stepped into her new role at the hospice, aiming to ease the fears of families who, like her, were entering what felt like uncharted territory. Though she carries the weight of her own grief, she aims to offer a message of hope, affirming, “If I can just help one family and tell them that it’s going to be alright, then I’ve achieved something.”
Kirsty has also played an instrumental role in shaping refurbishment plans for the hospice, taking part in discussions to make the environment more inviting and warm. Her vision includes transforming the inpatient corridor into a brighter, more welcoming space, reflecting the love present within.
Advocating for Change
Recognizing the vulnerabilities that families face while in hospice care, Kirsty wants to ensure that no family endures the emotional upheaval alone. “People that come into the hospice are petrified because they know that their lives are going to change when they walk out that door,” she compassionately articulated. Through her efforts, she manages to create a supportive network that serves as a reassuring reminder that even beyond loss, there’s room for healing and connection.
Bridging Support With Personal Experience
By sharing her story and experiences within the hospice space, Kirsty builds rapport with families who are fighting their own battles. “I’m living proof that you can move on. You never forget, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Her work not only addresses the immediate needs of families but also conveys the message that resilience is possible even in the darkest times.
Moving Forward Together
Kirsty’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for empathy and healing. Through supporting families enduring their own trials, she is turning her grief into a beacon of hope. She emphasizes the importance of community care as not just a service, but as an act of love and understanding.
How to Support This Mission
For those interested in contributing to the ongoing support work at the Hospice in the Weald, Kirsty encourages individuals to stay engaged with their mission. Potential donors can visit hospiceintheweald.org.uk for updates on the transformation program and opportunities to get involved, facilitating a collective effort to create an environment filled with compassion and warmth for every individual who walks through the hospice doors.
Through Kirsty’s journey, we are reminded of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the power of community support in facing life’s toughest challenges.
