As I sat by my Mum’s death bed recently, awake for the nth night in a row, listening to her ‘death-rattle’ breathing, watching her dying, I was terrified. Then I remembered Mum used to always tell me I was strong and fearless, so even though I felt anything but, I tried to calm my panic, and ease my heartbreak, by recalling her words of wisdom that she shared with me often. What she stood for.  I figured these imprinted conversations with Mamma would help me shift my focus away from loss, and instead onto the things which dementia and death, could never take away from me.

Amongst a lifetime of sagacious lessons, Mum taught me that we should always help anyone and everyone, whenever and wherever possible.  Mum said that if I was going to do something, to spend the time, give it my all, do my very best.  She believed in always being grateful.  And she challenged me to remember, always, what I am made of.

I share her name.  I hope to continue to celebrate and live her principles too.  To encompass her life lessons into all my tomorrows, and in doing so, remembering her in each and every one of them.

Coincidentally, well before her ultimate decline, over a year ago in fact, an invitation landed in my letterbox.  An opportunity to put many of Mum’s wisdoms into action all at once.  I booked my place immediately - Dementia Australia’s fundraising “Trek to Remember” (21 Oct - 6 Nov 2018) ... to trek to Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC), Nepal, to raise much-needed $$$.

In 2016, dementia became the leading cause of death among Australian females.  In 2018, after 16 years of suffering, this insidious disease took my Mum, too.  But on her death bed, as she consciously (and unbelievably) held my hand tight and to her chest, I renewed my promise: that I will trek to EBC, sharing the journey with my amazing and most positive friend, Haley.  That in doing so, I will honour Mum’s amazing carers at Scalabrini Village Bexley, most of which are Nepalese.  I told her I will fly her a prayer flag at 5380m, I will try and raise as much $$$ as I can in her name (PLEASE, PLEASE HELP!) and along the way, hopefully remember what I’m made of.

The Sherpa people call Mount Everest ‘Chomolungma’ and respect Her as the "Mother of the World."  I aspire to reach Her base.  For my Mother.  And for every soul, past and present, affected by dementia.

In loving memory of my Mamma, Maria Ferro: 23 Sep 1935 – 31 Jul 2018

*** Please note 100% of all donations will go to Dementia Australia ***