Angela's Story - Walking the Final Path Toget

In this final episode, Aron reflects on life after Angela’s passing and what it truly means to “move forward” rather than “move on.” Together with guest Amy, Palliative Care Counsellor at Hospice West Auckland, they explore the many layers of grief, healing, and hope: - The types of bereavement support available for those who are grieving, and how Hospice West Auckland continues to walk alongside families after their loss. - Aron’s perspective on continuing life while honouring Angela’s memory. - The small but meaningful gestures that bring comfort and help in coping with loss. - The significance of finally taking a holiday together one year later, and what it represents for their healing journey. Thank you for listening! https://www.hwa.org.nz/ https://www.youtube.com/@HospiceWestAuckland https://www.facebook.com/hospicewestauck/

In this moving episode, we follow Angela’s final moments and the days that followed her passing. Aron shares the family’s experience of saying goodbye, from the doctor’s respectful role in death certification to the deeply personal decision to keep Angela at home. We are joined by Hospice's Dr Celia, who reflects with Aron on the emotional weight of terms like “death certificate,” the significance of the funeral, and the sunflower story that continues to honour Angela’s memory — including the tattoos worn by those who loved her most. A heartfelt conversation about love, loss, and saying goodbye. Thank you for listening! https://www.hwa.org.nz/ https://www.youtube.com/@HospiceWestAuckland https://www.facebook.com/hospicewestauck/

In this episode, Aron shares the final days of Angela’s life — the challenges, the tender moments, and the role Hospice West Auckland played in helping them through. Angela’s primary care nurse, Charlie, reflects on that time and the importance of Hospice support, from after-hours care to the reassurance of a familiar team. Aron also offers his personal reflections on those last days: the worries, the reassurances, and what it meant to walk alongside Angela through such an emotional chapter. Thank you for listening! https://www.hwa.org.nz/ https://www.youtube.com/@HospiceWestAuckland https://www.facebook.com/hospicewestauck/

In this episode we discuss Angela's rapidly declining health, the emotional impact of constantly shifting prognoses on the Brightmore family, and how Hospice West Auckland provided the crucial escalating support. We are joined by Anita, Healthcare Assistant at Hospice West Auckland, who shares insights about the subtle changes that healthcare professionals often notice before family members do, how the care team ramped up both physical and emotional support for Angela and Aron, and how dignity and compassion were always paramount in Angela's care. Thank you for listening! https://www.hwa.org.nz/ https://www.youtube.com/@HospiceWestAuckland https://www.facebook.com/hospicewestauck/

In this episode we are joined by Angela's sister, Sheree, who played a major role in caring for Angela and supporting the Brightmore family. We look at the comprehensive and holistic care that Hospice provided, and the challenges they faced in navigating the unfamiliar territory of the healthcare system. And we hear about some of the treasured moments and laughter that Aron and Sheree shared with Angela during these difficult days. Thank you for listening! https://www.hwa.org.nz/ https://www.youtube.com/@HospiceWestAuckland https://www.facebook.com/hospicewestauck/

In this episode, Aron opens up about honouring Angela’s care wishes and planning her farewell. Joined by Trish Fleming, Social Worker and Community Liaison Manager at Hospice West Auckland, they unpack what it really means to take control of future care decisions. From navigating difficult conversations to finding peace of mind in clear choices, this discussion offers practical and gentle guidance for anyone facing life’s toughest moments. Thank you for listening! https://www.hwa.org.nz/ https://www.youtube.com/@HospiceWestAuckland https://www.facebook.com/hospicewestauck/

This episode offers honest insights into one of the most challenging aspects of palliative care - communicating with children about terminal diagnosis and a rapidly progressing condition. Aron shares how he and Angela navigated conversations with their children, and Kathrin, Creative Arts Therapist at Hospice West Auckland, offers professional insights and guidance on supporting children during these difficult times. Thank you for listening! https://www.hwa.org.nz/ https://www.youtube.com/@HospiceWestAuckland https://www.facebook.com/hospicewestauck/

In this episode Aron and Charlie, Angela's primary care nurse, take us through Angela’s admission to Hospice West Auckland - just weeks after her diagnosis. He shares what those first days were like: the assessments, the new faces, and the gentle but unfamiliar rhythm of Hospice care. Like many, Aron and Angela had their own ideas about what hospice meant—most of them heavy, and honestly, a little scary. But those preconceptions were quickly challenged in unexpected and comforting ways. Thank you for listening! https://www.hwa.org.nz/ https://www.youtube.com/@HospiceWestAuckland https://www.facebook.com/hospicewestauck/

In this first episode, Aron tells us about Angela - a vibrant, compassionate woman who had a way of lighting up every room. We get to know her through his eyes: her humour, strengths and quirks, and the everyday moments that made her so special. Along the way, we hear about the beautiful love story they built together, full of laughter, partnership, and deep connection. We follow her journey from vibrant health to the first subtle signs that something wasn’t right, and ultimately to the diagnosis that would change everything. Thank you for listening! https://www.hwa.org.nz/ https://www.youtube.com/@HospiceWestAuckland https://www.facebook.com/hospicewestauck/