Navigating Life and Loss: A Family’s Heartfelt Journey with Gilchrist

In the quiet solemnity that accompanies the end of a life well-lived, many caregivers find themselves balancing the dual roles of caretaker and loved one. At Gilchrist, we often see families navigating these deep waters, drawing on every ounce of strength and support they can muster. One such story is that of a devoted wife and mother who, in her husband John’s final days, found a way to transition from caregiver back to being his wife, thanks to the comprehensive care and support provided by Gilchrist.

A Lifetime Together

John and Maud Halliday have shared a rich and adventurous life together since they immigrated from Scotland to New York in 1973, before eventually settling in Florida. Throughout their 59-year union, filled with mutual support and deep affection, John and Maud raised two daughters and warmly embraced their role as grandparents to one granddaughter, cultivating a nurturing and loving family life. As John’s health challenges arose, they decided to move closer to their daughters to Baltimore, ensuring they were surrounded by family when it mattered most.

John’s journey with Gilchrist began after a long battle with dementia and heart issues. The decision to move to hospice care came when his condition worsened, and he required more care than could be provided at home. He was admitted to Gilchrist Center Towson, where he spent his last five days surrounded by the love and care of his family and the dedicated Gilchrist staff.

A Gift of Time

During John’s time at Gilchrist Center Towson, Maud experienced something profound and touching. Freed from the exhaustive duties that had consumed her daily life, she was able to be his wife again. “Everything at Gilchrist Center Towson was absolutely wonderful,” she reflects. This was made possible by the compassionate support from the Gilchrist team, who managed John’s medical care, allowing her to focus on sharing love and cherished moments with him. This transition was deeply significant, as she shares, “I was a caregiver for so long that I got to be his wife for the last few days, which was a gift.”

Embracing Gilchrist’s Support

Since his passing, John’s family has fully embraced the comprehensive services offered by Gilchrist. Maud and her daughters have found comfort and connection through Gilchrist support groups and various programs. They recently participated in Steps of Hope, a Gilchrist remembrance walk that celebrates the lives of loved ones. Moved by the experience, they plan to contribute creatively to next year’s event, with Maud aiming to craft 500 butterfly magnets in his memory.

After John’s passing, Maud and her daughters received beautiful memory bears and pillows handcrafted from pieces of John’s clothing by Gilchrist volunteers, treasures that carry the warmth and care of those who made them. Inspired by this gesture, Maud has begun crocheting red, white, and blue blankets for veteran patients at Gilchrist, adding a personal touch of comfort for those who served. “I am hoping to volunteer more as well,” Maud shares. The family’s engagement with Gilchrist continues. They have donated a plaque to be placed on the memorial garden wall at Gilchrist Center Towson, a lasting tribute to John’s memory. This act of remembrance not only honors John but also cements the family’s ongoing connection to the Gilchrist community.

Through Gilchrist’s extensive grief support and community programs, Maud and her daughters have transformed their grief into active participation, contributing to the same community that supported them through their darkest times. At Gilchrist, our goal is to support families so that they can focus on being loved ones first—a commitment that allows families like John’s to find peace and fulfillment, even in farewell.

To learn more about Gilchrist and its programs, visit: https://gilchristcares.org/about/