Bonnie Moves to jacksplace
Bonnie and her mum visit jacksplace
My daughter Bonnie and I first came to Naomi House around four years ago. It was a huge step for me to accept that I needed support and that we would receive help from a children’s hospice. Somehow the idea of coming to a hospice was very formidable, and quite frightening. My only experience of hospices came from what I knew of adult hospices and that made me feel as if I was acknowledging that Bonnie had a bleak and short future ahead of her.
Bonnie has been affected by a number of conditions, since birth, which we understand were caused by mumps when I was pregnant. From day one I have worked hard to give my lovely girl the very best care and attention. I want her to know that she is loved – I’m sure she does. There have been some very difficult times, especially around puberty, when even under normal circumstances girls find their bodies and emotions difficult to cope with. It was at this time that we first came to Naomi House.
During our first visit we realised that this is a very special place, the opposite to what I had expected. There’s lots of laughter, fun and activities, but most of all the warmth of the staff that makes us feel so welcome. They are caring and gentle, and respect Bonnie and know the way I like things done for Bonnie.
In 2010 we started visiting jacksplace. It was part of our transition into adult services. For me, staying at Naomi House was about peace of mind and I feel the same about jacksplace. I stay at the hospice when Bonnie visits; it's a time when I can switch off and relax, but still be close by. Now that she is a young woman I am starting to step back and enable her to be a little bit more independent when she comes to stay at jacksplace. I trust the staff to take care of her just as I would at home.
Bonnie often fits, and can be very restless at night. Part of my routine is to turn her regularly in the night so that she doesn’t get sore or unable to breath properly. It is exhausting. When we come to stay at jacksplace I get a whole night’s sleep, something that is virtually impossible on every other night at home. I really value that.
In the day , during a visit, I can enjoy Bonnie, I’m her mum and have the chance to be her mum, not her carer; that is so precious, it is the one thing that is running out because time is not on our side. Naomi House and jacksplace gives us back time as mum and daughter.
For the last two summers I have walked the Clarendon Way Walk in aid of Naomi House. I simply cannot thank them enough for what they do for us both, and the walk is a small way that I could say thank you.
Jacksplace and Naomi House have given Bonnie and I the chance to rest, enjoy each other and have fun.
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