Bob’s story

Bob* and his wife Cheryl* were referred to Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine by his GP when he discovered that the cancer, he had been living with for many years was no longer treatable, and that he needed to prepare for his end of life. Bob was a pragmatic, no nonsense man who had been a union representative in a male dominated industry.  He had always looked after his mates by checking up on them when they were ill or facing life's challenges.  Bob was respected and well liked but when he was diagnosed with cancer many of his work mates were uncomfortable visiting Bob as they didn't know what to say or do, so they had stopped seeing him.  This left Bob feeling isolated and lonely as his illness restricted his ability to get about in his community. Bob and Cheryl had recently retired to the Bellarine Peninsula and had not had the opportunity to build up a strong circle of local friends, and their adult children living interstate, added to their sense of isolation.   A CHoB volunteer started to visit Bob to offer him companionship and to give his wife a bit of break to run errands.  After the first visit with Bob, Cheryl commented that it was the first time in months that she had heard him laugh.  Bob had been reminiscing about ‘the good old days’ at work and some of the pranks he and his workmates had gotten up to at work.  Some were hair-raising! After getting to know Bob through sharing his memories, the volunteer was inspired to write a song about Bob’s full and interesting life. He recorded it and sent it to Bob and Cheryl who were very moved by the song.  Bob said it was the first time anyone had ever written a song for him.  He was particularly excited to share the song with his family.The volunteer continued to visit Bob over the last few months of life and offered much needed companionship to him and support to Cheryl as she cared for much loved husband.