Rotary Flames Home

I can’t begin to describe the insurmountable feeling of grief when you’re entering a home as a family of four. And knowing, one day, you will leave this home as a family of three. As a mother the pain is excruciating. Debilitating. Depressing. My heart has shattered into a million pieces. Even that's an understatement. I can only imagine what other family members are going through too. Sheldon. Paige. Our family dog Pepper. Grandparents (Lola's/Lolo's). Godparents (Ninang/Ninong). Aunts (Tita's/Tia's). Uncles (Tito's/Tio's). Cousins. Because they all helped to raise Penn and watched her grow. It really does take a village to raise a child.

We were greeted and welcomed at our Rotary Flames home. And we knew we made the right choice because it didn’t look like a hospital. One of Penn’s wishes. Our room had a similar set up to a spacious condo. The nursing staff respect your space. Sheldon and I were able to set the boundaries of how often medical staff can visit.

Penn's health continued to spiral in the downward direction. All we could do was manage her pain. We even called her uncle from Toronto to fly back home earlier than originally planned. We didn’t know if she would make it through the night. We advocated for Penn's final home to grant him approval to enter. We knew it was important for Penn to see him. We wanted him to say his final goodbye.

After her fav uncle said his goodbye, Sheldon and I laid down beside her, and told her we loved her very much. We are so proud of her and she can now rest. She doesn't need to be brave anymore. Penn suddenly woke up and called for Paigey to lay down beside her. Uncle carried Paige who was fast asleep into our bed. Penn grabbed Paigey's hand and Penn fell back asleep. Pepper was even with us at the foot of the bed. This is what Penn wanted. Our family. All together. As I watch my girls holding hands, I lay my hand on Penn's back. Wondering when she will take her final breath.

Adventures around our neighbourhood between Feb 12 - March 5, 2022