With a distinguished 60-year journalism career behind her, 101-year-old Yvonne MacLean is a wordsmith.
Throughout her career in Melbourne radio, Sydney, and local newspapers she wrote about many a famous or high-ranking person ¨C including singer Kamahl, former Prime Minister, the late Gough Whitlam, and Queensland politician, the late Russ Hinze.
¡°In those days, a woman had to work very hard to get a Page 1, and that¡¯s what you wanted,¡± Yvonne said.
But she would save her most glowing words for Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) Rehabilitation Unit team.
When a fall at home saw her admitted to GCUH for six weeks, Yvonne quickly became a ward favourite as she entertained staff with her stories of VIP encounters and political scandals.
¡°I have experienced the utmost in medical attention, thoughtfulness, caring and skills,¡± Yvonne wrote, ¡°from doctors to senior nurses, younger ones, physios, and caterers. All involved are amazing!¡±
¡°One is treated with such respect too,¡± she said.
¡°How can one name any special person? All are stars.
¡°My heart and my thoughts will always know you all. You made me live again.¡±
Yvonne is determined to get back to her role as chief storyteller for Nerang Uniting Church.
Her church community is Yvonne¡¯s sole family, and her parting words for her beloved hospital carers are tinged with regret.
¡°Never, never put a career before love and marriage. Print that!¡± she said.