"My Elderly Mother"

At 85 years young, my mum has always been the heart and soul of our family — a gentle force of nature whose resilience continues to inspire us every single day. So when she was admitted to the Sydney Eye Hospital for retina surgery, it marked not just a medical moment, but a deeply moving chapter in her life.

Mum has been living with dementia for several years now. Though her memory sometimes drifts, her kindness, humour and inner strength never waver. Her journey to Sydney was anything but simple — over seven hours from Bega, through Canberra Hospital, and finally onto Sydney Eye. It was a long and exhausting trip, especially for someone her age and condition. But, as always, Mum carried herself with grace.

We were deeply touched by the level of care she received at every step. The staff at Canberra Hospital made sure she was stabilised and as comfortable as possible for the journey. When she arrived at Sydney Eye Hospital, the warmth and professionalism of the team there was nothing short of extraordinary. They didn’t just treat her as a patient; they treated her as a person — with a full life, a big heart, and a family who love her dearly.

The surgery was delicate, made more complex by her age and her dementia, but the medical team handled it with such skill and compassion. The nurses took time to reassure her in ways she could understand — soft voices, warm hands, and gentle humour that brought a sparkle to her eyes.

Recovery has been slow, but steady. Each day, Mum shows us the same quiet courage that helped her raise four children on her own, after Dad passed. She may not always remember where she is or why she’s there, but she knows she’s surrounded by love. And that’s what matters most.

What started as a stressful and uncertain journey became a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit — and the goodness of people. From Bega to Sydney, Mum showed us what bravery truly looks like.

At 85, with all she’s endured and overcome, Mum is still teaching us how to be strong. And we couldn’t be prouder.