My dad, Gary, was my biggest supporter and hero, the funniest, kindest, and smartest man I knew. He was goofy, optimistic, brave, and had a big sweet tooth that matched his big heart. As a proud daddy’s girl, I cherished our time together, whether watching football, discussing cars (especially Mustangs), playing golf, or enjoying good food and movies. Tragically, my world turned upside down on November 23, 2023, when he died at the young age of 65.

The journey from diagnosis to loss was shockingly brief, and I am eternally grateful that we found a home at Carpenter Hospice during those final weeks. Here, we created our own little sanctuary, a room we affectionately called our “apartment.” I decorated it for Christmas, filling it with family photos that enhanced the cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It felt like home.

There were so many special moments at Carpenter Hospice that I will always treasure. My dad could take a fabulous bath, which truly meant the world to him – a tall man who valued his hygiene. The delicious food and baked goodies available 24/7 brought him joy, allowing him to savour his favourite treats during his time at the Hospice. Visits from our dog and cat filled our hearts and brought a sense
of peace to Dad. The staff, volunteers, nurses, and doctors were nothing short of angels, caring for both my dad and me during this challenging time. Their compassion provided us with the comfort we desperately needed.

To cope with my grief after my dad passed away, I taught myself to crochet, creating each item as if it were for him. I started making handmade items like plushies, blankets, hats, and mittens, infusing each piece with love, knowing they would eventually help others. This process helped keep his memory alive and filled a void. That’s how I started Crafty Bears – a project honouring his memory and passion for helping others. The bears symbolize our bond; he was always my “Daddy Bear,” and I was his “Baby Bear.”

I miss him terribly but will always cherish the memories we created together at Carpenter Hospice. It is truly a special place that brought light to our darkest days.