In our Day Hospice, visitors take part in various activities to help them live well with a life-limiting illness. Inspired by a fellow patient, Bob’s been creating beautiful flower arrangements here at the Hospice, and here he is to tell you a little more about it all…
A friend of mine owns a florist, and when I retired, I used to go over there and do some deliveries for her. I ended up doing bouquets and flower arranging and it became something I enjoyed.
I’d never done anything like it before, I’ve been a motor mechanic all of my life, from the day I left school. At first, I wasn’t sure about it and thought “you’re having a laugh aren’t you” but when you get into it, it’s just nice and you can see what you can achieve.
I’ve always been into art. I like drawing landscapes but how I am at the moment with my hands being a little shaky, it becomes a bit annoying when you can’t get it right. So I’ve left it alone for now and will just see how it goes.
But arranging flowers is absolutely fine. It’s been a couple of years since I used to do it but it’s been nice to create flower arrangements again here at the Hospice. It’s completely relaxing, you just forget everything and focus on it.
I start by putting something right in the middle, gauge its height and then work down. With colours it’s all about what you think is right, some people think differently so it’s up to you really.
I just get lost in it, it just takes everything away concentrating on what you’re doing. It’s a change, something completely different.
When I was first asked to come to the Hospice, I thought to myself, I can’t be dealing with that. Like a lot of people think, I thought they were going to see me off here, but after the very first day, I realised that wasn’t the case and how good it really is. Everyone’s in the same boat as you are, and all the staff are brilliant, you just can’t fault them. It’s also a good chance to get out of the house and I fully enjoy it.
You can get some good information here too, where the Hospice can put you in touch with other people like the Department for Work & Pensions to see if you’re entitled to anything. I’ve also been given a wheelchair and a brilliant three-wheeler walker to help with my mobility.
And although I haven’t been eating well (for a long time now), I think the food here is brilliant. Last week, I had gammon, eggs and peas, and it was cooked perfectly. I really look forward to the lunches here.
To anybody who’s in two minds about coming to the Hospice, don’t worry about it, just come and you’ll see.
Thank you Bob for sharing all of this with us and giving everyone a little insight into our Day Hospice.
To find out more about our Day Hospice or the 12-week therapeutic programme, please visit www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/coming-here
