Allyson Tufts and Andy Forgie entertain. Luke Hendry/The Intelligencer/QMI Agency As I began to explore hospice care with a neighbour of mine, memories of my own experiences began to flood in; sponging the mouth of my great aunt, reading her favourite poetry to her, and the gentle touch of the nurse when it was time. I also clearly remembered the time when I was present as my father was facing his end of life. As I recounted my experiences, me the interviewer doing all of the talking, I paused and realized that I was really being listened to. Across from me was Bonnie Delaney, Executive Director for Hospice Quinte and a true face of compassion. She said, “The patients I have been involved with have taught me so much about grief.” The Belleville area had the first freestanding residential hospice centre in Ontario. Hospice Quinte has grown to over 125 volunteers participating in an excellent home care program. Bonnie is well aware of the exhaustion with home care, both physi