What I have learnt in palliative care is that what’s most important in life’s final journey is not wealth nor fame; it is the desire to be surrounded and loved by their loved ones. This primordial instinct to return to a familiar place, a place that offers comfort and strength in the midst of life’s challenges, is something deeply ingrained within us.
That is the case for Mdm Roslina. Diagnosed with Alexander Disease, a rare genetic disorder that impairs nervous system function, she is left completely immobile at the age of 48. The illness has taken away her ability to move, but it cannot take away her spirit. When we met her in the hospital ward, she was in good spirits, her eyes still filled with warmth and determination. She shared with us her heartfelt wish to go back home, to the place she grew up in, a place that holds cherished memories, echoes of laughter, and the presence of those she holds dear.
On the surface, the request was a simple ambulance transfer from the hospital to her home. But to the AWS team (Charlotte, Chek Hao and Kong Hoe), this was not just a transfer. It was an opportunity to create a lasting memory for Mdm Roslina and her family. We were determined to make this short homecoming a moment they could treasure forever.
The long-awaited Wish Day arrived on the warm afternoon of 2 April. As we wheeled Mdm Roslina out of the hospital, it was clear this was more than a change of place—it was a return to love, warmth, and belonging. Crossing the threshold of her home, she was greeted by family dressed in her favourite shades of yellow, wrapping her in kisses and hugs. Sunshine-hued blooms filled the corners, a Tweety Bird cake beamed from the table, and yellow balloons floated like lanterns, turning the space into a radiant haven of joy. Her home stirred with life. Family portraits were snapped, a touching video tribute played across time, and a generous spread of finger food, lovingly prepared by her mother and others bought by us, brought comfort to the room.
A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt tribute to Mdm Roslina by a talented rock band, featuring rock & roll hits from iconic Malay bands from the 80s. The music brought the family together in songs, creating a nostalgic and unforgettable soundtrack to the afternoon. Mdm Roslina smiled as she watched her loved ones bask in the joy on this special day.
When it was time to leave, the emotions in the room were palpable. Her loved ones gathered around her, some with tears glistening in their eyes while others with smiles that masked the ache of farewell. In those precious moments, nothing else mattered. Not the illness, not the struggles, not the sorrow of parting. There was only love, the kind that lingers beyond time, beyond words, beyond physical presence. And as wish day came to a close, we knew that this homecoming would remain etched in their hearts, and ours.