Nadine’s mum Benita came to St Clare Hospice’s Inpatient Unit to receive end-of-life care when her condition deteriorated.
After spending long hours at her mum’s beside on the Inpatient Unit, Nadine decided to stretch her legs and take a walk around the Hospice’s beautiful gardens, which is when she stumbled across an open door…
‘I poked my head in and asked what the group were doing. They said they were crafting and asked if I’d like to join them. They said, “We’re making cards. What would you like to make?” I explained my daughter was going travelling the following week – four months around Asia and Australia – and I needed a Christmas card.
‘It’s an emotional time for us all, and she wanted to know if she should come back for Mum’s funeral, but I reassured her Grandma wouldn’t want that. She’d want her to continue her adventure.
‘Because she wouldn’t have much room for extra things in her rucksack, I wanted to make a card that she could open at Christmas on the beach. I wanted her to know we’d be thinking about her although she’d be thousands of miles away. So, the crafting ladies found me a daughter sticker and a Christmas sticker, and I started painting.
‘I got completely lost for two hours, creating this card for Elysa. My head has been full of so many things – knowing I’ll have to arrange Mum’s funeral and who to invite, and sorting the utilities once she’s gone – but I can honestly say my mind just cleared when I was painting. It was so calming. I was just focused on making the card, and it was a complete escape for me.’
‘Mum has been living with cancer for a long time, but up until three weeks ago she was living at home independently. Her deterioration has been very quick and come as a complete shock to us all. We’d heard of St Clare, but like many people you never think you are going to need them. And then you do.
‘On her first day here, a lovely nurse asked Mum, “Benita, are you happy to end your life here?” and she said yes.
My brother and I can’t believe how wonderful it is. You are all angels, and we couldn’t wish for Mum to be anywhere else at this time.’
– Nadine, Benita’s daughter
We’d like to thank Benita’s family for allowing us to share their story following Benita’s death.