Former Sacred Heart College border Marian Allison tells NOEL MURPHY about her work helping the terminally ill move between this world and the next.
“IF YOU can’t tell me how to die, don’t tell me how to live.’’
So the old adage has it but Marian Allison’s not one to tell people how they should live, she’s accepting of people whatever their walk in life.
It’s something she learnt as a boarder at Newtown’s Sacred Heart College back in the 1960s when she learned to live with, and get along with, all manner of people from all manner of background.
It’s where she also learnt why homeless people use newspapers to keep warm.
“People don’t believe me when I say I slept outside on the balcony,’’ she says.
“Newspapers were noisy but as insulation they were very good.’’
Sleeping rough is certainly what many of the people who come under Marian’s professional watch tend to do.
Dying of cancer will do that.
Marian is a palliative care provider, administrator and teacher; a player in easing their anguish. In managing the chilling fear of death.
There’s nothing easy about it, of course, but respecting people’s wishes, giving them choices and helping them manage a legacy can ease their minds immensely.
More in the latest Geelong Coast Magazine – out now.
