Some years ago, my husband and I moved from Kawerau to Tawa to live with Avril (one of my six children), and her whānau. We wanted to help them out by taking care of their young baby Michael while they worked.
As time went on, Michael got older and a few years ago my husband died. My own health had also been an issue for a while, and I was at the point where I was going to hospital three or four times a month. Eventually I put it to my children that I should move on, to make sure that they would have a chance to have their own life as a young family. It was a big decision for us to make, but we agreed, and after looking around at my options, I felt really good about Kemp Home & Hospital. It was clean and welcoming, and you could tell how much care goes into this place. I felt at home as soon as I walked in the door.
I’ve been here for 14 months now, and I’m really settled. The residents are all friends, and over time they become part of your whānau. We’re aware of each other’s struggles, and we look after each other. I’m also very happy about how the staff take care of me. If something happens, I can ring a bell and someone will be there to help. I can’t really explain how good it feels to be so relaxed about my health, and it’s been a big relief for my family. I’ve only been in hospital twice since being here, which is really saying something.
My whānau visit me often, and bring my mokopuna to visit. We’ll usually go over to the sun room or just chit-chat in my room. Most weekends I watch Michael play sport, then we’ll go out for lunch or I’ll stay with them for dinner.
I like to keep myself busy, so I’ve always got to be doing something. I really enjoy the activities we have here, particularly the indoor bowls, and I am part of the Kemp Kaumatua Committee. I also do a lot of pencil drawing, knitting, and crochet – all the old stuff! I also belong to a church group, and we make things for cancer patients and babies in the Neonatal intensive Care Unit (NICU).
One of my bigger projects has been creating a Kemp Marae. My art is one way I can keep connected with my whakapapa, which is important for me because of my upbringing. I was born to a 15-year-old girl, and put into a home for adoption. My mother and father, who were also Māori, took me home. They were the coolest parents I could ever wish for, but in those days there was a lot of contention about speaking te reo, so I was never allowed to learn it. Looking back, that’s a real shame because my mokos speak te reo now, and I wish I could understand them.
I think with the way the world is today, loving thy neighbour and keeping an eye on each other really does matter. We should show that we care for each other, even in little ways, because as adults we set the example for who we want our children and grandchildren to be. As a grandmother to twenty-one and great grandmother to seven, I love seeing them helping the younger ones, and getting involved with the community.
To everyone who helps Kemp and The Mission, thank you for making this a ‘home away from home’ for me. I’ve got my little nest, and my whānau around me. I really enjoy my time here, and I know that whatever happens I’ll always be looked after.
