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Mother’s Day is such a special day, but for me and many others it's always a bit difficult.
Mother's Day was the day my mum went to hospital and never came back.
(THREAD)
Mother's Day was the day my mum went to hospital and never came back.
(THREAD)
I remember it was a Sunday in autumn of 2002. I had just flown back to Sydney from Canberra to take my mum Maryanne and her sister Margaret out for Mother’s Day lunch.
When I got to her home in Camperdown, I knew something wasn’t right.
The front door had been left open.
When I got to her home in Camperdown, I knew something wasn’t right.
The front door had been left open.
After decades of health problems, mum had a brain aneurism, and was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Mum would spend two weeks in hospital before finally passing. Over those two weeks, we said goodbye – twice. Both times she came through – she was a real fighter.
Mum would spend two weeks in hospital before finally passing. Over those two weeks, we said goodbye – twice. Both times she came through – she was a real fighter.
On the third time, she didn’t make it. Maryanne Albanese died on the 25th of May, 2002.
Around every Mother’s Day, I visit the cemetery where mum is and I remember how much she sacrificed for me.
Around every Mother’s Day, I visit the cemetery where mum is and I remember how much she sacrificed for me.
Mum had rheumatoid arthritis that crippled her joints and meant she couldn’t work. She lived on a disability pension. Life wasn’t easy, and her health made things even harder – but we got through because of her.
We lived in council housing, which gave us a sense of security and stability. It was our home.
She taught me how to save – and how to spend wisely – because every dollar had to count.
She also taught me the most important lesson of all: the importance of leaving no one behind.
She taught me how to save – and how to spend wisely – because every dollar had to count.
She also taught me the most important lesson of all: the importance of leaving no one behind.
Truth is, mum was left behind – by people who counted her out, and by governments who cut back support.
The cutbacks that happened in mum’s lifetime meant she had to justify the support she was receiving. When health funding was cut, the quality of mum’s care was cut too.
The cutbacks that happened in mum’s lifetime meant she had to justify the support she was receiving. When health funding was cut, the quality of mum’s care was cut too.
And when they tried to sell our council house, it felt like our home was being taken from us.
I know the difference that governments can make on people’s lives because I lived it. Mum lived it. It’s what motivated me to get into politics.
To help people. To make life better for people. To make sure no one is left behind.
To help people. To make life better for people. To make sure no one is left behind.
Mum always gave me unconditional love. And I feel very privileged to have had that. Mums really are special.
A happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there.
A happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there.
