Annabella W. McVey

It has been a tumultuous two weeks- all things considered. On Monday (13th) – as I was shopping – I had a telephone call. I never go without my mobile (cell) phone these days in case the hospital or doctor calls and in this instance, it was Quorn Hospital, and it was a call that changed everything. What they told me was that Annabell is being moved back to Whyalla perhaps this week – or early next week. To say that I was overjoyed is putting it mildly. I have been waiting for such a call for over four months. Not quite sure how I finished the shopping – but I did. This was followed by telephone calls from Whyalla to tell me that there was a place for Annabell, and they were preparing to get her back. They could not promise but they were trying for this week. After that,  telephone calls came thick and fast, and I spent the rest of the day running around signing forms here and there. However, it was all worth the stress and on Thursday 16th May (TODAY ) Annabell was driven by ambulance from Flinders House in Quorn and  transported back to  Yeltana here in  Whyalla. Annabell is home – well not actually in the house with me, but ‘ home’ as in town. I have had the boys at hospital with me and they need me to gain entrance since I have the only security pass for the moment. They will get their passes next week. In the meantime, we go together.

Howeffer…. while all her clothes were packed and sent down from Quorn a lot of her things were left behind. They were supposed to go with her but in the rush they were missed – so – I am heading up to Quorn in the morning to get the rest of her things and – most importantly – her prized Teddy Bear Blanket. I have decided to leave as soon as I can, get there, get the things and – possible stop off for coffee and scones at Ticklyebelly Hill on the way back. Depends – not sure if Benji is acceptable, so we’ll see.

Annabell, when I finally get to see her, was glad to be back. She was a very different person from the one in Quorn – bubbly, cheerful and full of laughter. But it had been a long day for her and she was tired so when the boys and I came after dinner, she was sleepy and tired so we didn’t stay very long. I did ask her if  she wanted to come from a drive in the car up to Quorn but she wasn’t keen on that idea at all.

I will miss Quorn. The people there were really nice, thoughtful and considerate and looked after Annabell  very well. I will not miss the driving – even although I was starting to come to terms with Pichi Richi Pass, I am thankful that I do not have to do it anymore.

So, a very busy and exciting few days but things will settle down , and we are just so very happy to have Annabell close to us again. I have to say that there was very little improvement but she was well looked after and cared for. I visited her every day and the boys visited

her most evenings, We did not understand at this stage that internally nothing was good. and that her body was starting to s

hut down

She was only a few weeks in  Yeltana when we were told that the resident doctor was concerned and was having her moved to hospital. She was three days in the word when the boys and I were taken outside and told by the medical staff that she was not responding to treatment and that she was being moved to Palliative Care.

The nurses were very kind and they made up a bed for me in Annabell’s room. I slept there for three days. On the third day I woke very early and understood  it was ending. I went over and through God’s Good Grace, I was beside her when she passed. She did not pass alone – I was with her and to me that this was fitting. We began our life together side by side and we ended our life together, side by said and I feel that is how it should have been. I called the boys and then Mrs, Mashford, the Church Session Clerk.. After Mrs. Mashford left, the boys and I stayed for a while longer then we went home. Andrew wanted me to come and stay with him. but I needed to be home and I wanted to be with Benji.

The boys and I arranged the funeral which was held at 11am on Wednesday 12th June. It was well attended.

Yes, it all happened so fast and never for a single moment did  ever imagine when she was moved to  the hospital that she would not be                                                                            coming back.

When she was moved to Palliative Care then we realized that this was heading towards the end.  I am glad that all her pain is now over and she is at peace. I loved her all my life, from start to finish and I miss her so very much.