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kym strathdee
March 6, 2018
My news today is more rich than sad though sadness is very much part of the deal.
I have just received news that my dear foster Mum, Benita Hills passed away this morning.
So in writing this I am gathering my own thoughts and acknowledgement of her importance in my life.
Life was gracious in that I was able to spend some time with her at her care facility just 12 days ago in Auckland. She was distanced by her health situation but her eyes danced at my arrival and she held me close and her gaze towards me was full of love and recognition. This photo are from that visit.
Benita and her husband Roy took me in as a foster child during my early teens. They already had a growing family of their own yet, hearing that my only family life was not ideal, extended their love and nurturing to include me. As I remember it, it was only a matter of months but my time in her care has remained indelible throughout my life.
Somehow she recognised and nurtured what I've come to appreciate as my better qualities. My work over the years in caring for others was very much inspired by her example of practical extension and application of humanity.
Even since my being in Melbourne she would make the effort to spend time and show her care for me, that, in some of my darker days. I never felt i needed her to tell her but i always felt she knew. Her actions were always louder than her words.
I recall my own mum's passing just a few years back. I hadn't told Benita but somehow she knew and although frailed by her years she had driven across the greater part of Auckland to attend. I will never forget how she held me that day. Few words, so much understanding.
Tonight she is with her Lord. She had a faith and humanity that didn't live in a church building or in sermonising. It was always her applied sense of humanity, simple, practical and so valuable to my life.
Her husband Roy let me know todays sad news in an email which he signed as 'Dad'.
I am moved, honoured and proud to be regarded as such.
I hope Benita knows just how grateful I am.
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