Introducing Graham Ternary, a familiar face returning to our community. As a former student of the very school that now stands as our beloved retirement village, Graham’s journey has come full circle. He graciously shares with us a poem, a testament to the intertwined histories that connect us all.

As I look into the past

I’m convinced that time mover fast

Memories of yesterday jump on board

Wasn’t it just yesterday school called

Full of fun and laughter

No thought of old age

Or life here after

Fast forward about 65 years

Dawnview is still in sight, my dears

Not learning much of anything now

Just life on the slide, so slow

Who thought this would happen, hey

Although the view is similar today

Not much laughter

Thinking of the here after

Surrounded by many then all my age

Then all were healthy, didn’t turn the page

But our only hope today is staying alive

They even took the car I used to drive

So waiting for lunch to be served again

Thoughts of these days when it will rain

Not much laughter

Thinking of the here after

So many questions still unanswered, hey

Global warming, Eskom, corrupotion every day

The best thing is to be positive & thankful

That life at Dawnview is still hopeful

At least the grass is cut and the sun shines

Having happy memories of the good times

Not much laughter

Thinking of the here after

Graham Trennery

Protea Retirement Home

Primrose

Previously Dawnview High School

which was on the same site until December 1965 where I matriculated

A heartwarming letter of gratitude penned by Samm Hewitt, the cherished daughter of Kathy. In her heartfelt words, Samm expresses her profound appreciation for the care and support provided to her mother. It’s a testament to the compassion and dedication that defines our community.

Dear Ani

I’ve lived in Australia for 16+ years.

Having always been close with my mother I would try and make the trip back to visit her and my family on average every 3 years.

Then COVID hit and my last visit was cancelled.

Now in March 2024 after more than 7 years I have come home to South Africa again.

A lot has happened between visits. My Mom was rushed to hospital last June 2023 and life changed forever. Due to many factors my Mom could not go back home. Instead my baby sister Mandy found her a new home at Protea Home in Primrose, Germiston.

I work in aged care myself. I know what good, great and mediocre care looks like. I know that bells and whistles can hide a multitude of sins.

Today visiting my Mom Kathy Hewitt for the first time in her new Protea Home my heart felt joy and calm because that is exactly what I felt from my Mom.

Mom was with all the other elders in the sun room when Mandy and me arrived. Relaxing in their comfy LazyBoy chairs. A little fish tank in the room bubbling away.

Care staff smiling and welcoming.

Some humming softly or singing gently.

Mom had a twinkle in her eye. Vibrant and bright.

I could see how clean she was and her hair was soft from brushing and conditioner.

Mom’s clothes were spotless and she wore little grey socks with tiny black hearts in her small black shoes. 🖤

I held her hands… no longer the hands I remember. They used to be dry and cracked from daily dishes, laundry and cleaning.

Her hands used to look gnarled from arthritis and rough skin from detergents and other harsh products.

Mom had always worked hard… her whole life from a very young age when she lost her own Mother when she was 9, so her hands showed her story.

Today they told a completely different story. Her hands were smooth and relaxed. Her fingernails trimmed and manicured. Her nails painted beautifully in a blushing pink… I don’t remember my mother ever painting her own nails.

I could see how much care and compassion and incredible kindness you all give each day to those in your care.

Thank you for looking after our Mother in a way we wouldn’t be able to.

My sister reminded me today how our Mother would say she was from Brigadoon and she would never grow old. The light shines through my Mother now like I have never known before. She is happy, she is free, she is safe and she is loved, some of those things she has not had in a long long time.

Thank you to my sister who chose Protea Home as our Mother’s forever home. And most especially to Sister Louise and the team for everything they do caring for our loved ones everyday.

Warm regards

Samm Hewitt … Kathy’s daughter.