Christopher’s Story
As told by Christopher’s wife, Jeanne.
My late husband Christopher was a man of many talents. He belonged to various choirs, and although I was not a singer, I was a musician. I played the piano and often accompanied him as he sang. Music was his second life, and his love for it was infectious. It was a beautiful partnership, one that brought us countless joyful memories.
In January, we noticed a lump on Christopher’s neck. A biopsy revealed that it was too late for treatment, and that his cancer diagnosis was terminal. It was devastating news, but through it all we relied on our faith and our deep love for each other to get through it. We accepted the journey we were on, knowing that every moment we had left was a gift.
During Christopher’s illness, Sobell House became a lifeline to us. It was a place of peace and comfort, and the nurses, compassionate people who attended to Christopher’s needs, were beyond remarkable. Their dedication was truly something special and they were more than caregivers. To us, they were family.
As Christopher’s time grew shorter, the Sobell House team encouraged me to take some time for myself, while suggesting the ‘Living Well’ day service for him. Christopher, ever the social soul, enjoyed meeting new people, and I too found it refreshing to have a little space, knowing he was in caring hands.
Music therapy was one of the highlights of Christopher’s time at Sobell House. Tom, the hospice’s Music Therapist, and a talented musician, became a dear friend to both of us. He would play Christopher’s favourite songs, including “Foggy Foggy Dew,” and he made a recording of this with Christopher. His friend sang this song at Christopher’s funeral – a touching tribute to both his lifelong passion and his time spent at Sobell House.
Another source of comfort for me during Christopher’s time at the hospice was Mohammad, the Ward Administrator. Each day, we would walk to the chapel together and pray. All these years later, those moments still have a huge impact on me. The bond I shared with Mohammad is something I will always treasure.
Just before Christmas, we received a call to say it was time for Christopher to be admitted into the hospice. The night before he left, his entire choir came to our home to sing their Christmas concert for him. Christopher sang along to every word, his voice full of life, even as his body was weakening. It was a special way for us to celebrate his passion with his choir around us.
In his memory, I’ve dedicated a flower on the Memory Tree at Sobell House. Christopher was kind, loving, and gentle: qualities that defined him as a person, and I wanted to honour that with a simple message.
Pictured: Music therapy room
Pictured: Christopher’s Memory Tree dedication
Pictured: The Memory Tree
Visiting the hospice now fills me with gratitude. It’s a place that gave us comfort when we needed it most. It’s a place that not only cares for those who are dying but also for the families who walk alongside them. I’ve been blessed by the care we received, and I know that the hospice continues to provide that same love and support to others in need.
Christopher was well-loved, and I am forever grateful for the time we had together. For those of us who are left behind, it is reassuring to know that there are places like Sobell House that offer not just care, but peace and compassion when we need it most.
You don’t ever “get over” losing someone you love, but with time, you learn to live with it. Cherish the moments you have together, make happy memories, and above all, accept what comes. The hospice staff taught me that acceptance is the key to moving forward.
Thank you so much to Jeanne for kindly sharing her family’s experience.