Helen's Farewell

Dear Natasha & Louis,   It is with a heaviness in my heart and a lump in my throat that I write to you at this sad time.   Helen was my first professional supervisor nearly three decades ago. While I had known Frank as a charismatic and somewhat enigmatic teacher, I came to know Helen through many discussions at Weinholt Street. Her practice then left the first indelible etchings on my mind. She charged for her services as supervisor on the basis that one hour of her time was worth one of the supervisees'. Humility has no better definition. And later, she allowed me to be counted amongst her friends. Felt honoured then, still do.  

Helen remained a trusted , wise colleague with whom many clients were discussed over many, many years. Some took place late at night when she would welcome me into her home after I finished work and ply me thoughtfully and generously with food and drink. The conversations often had little preamble. "Hi Helen. Can I talk to you about these people I'm seeing?" No matter that at times weeks or months between contact had elapsed. While her poetry provoked me, her supervision focussed me. Both had characteristic Helen-isms: sharp, astute observation of self and others, confrontation eclipsed by compassion, contagiously wonderful,carefully-chosen expression.

 

Interspersed in my life are intensely Helen experiences. The Ladies Labourers Guild, the Family Court, QPASST, family therapy, introducing my kids to chickens in the back yard, wampi tree planting, a story about being hen-pecked especially for the middle anxious one, gifts of German secateurs(still used) and 9 miniature Israeli vases depicting my pregnancy. The professional and the personal interwoven always. An all time high was her very welcomed attendance at my older kids bat and bar mitzvah. She distinguished herself by being the only guest (including family) to attend the rabbi's talk prior to one service. He was delighted. Such was her whole-hearted involvement.

 

Helen paved the way for me to meet and come to know you both a bit. You're lucky in life when people extend and enrich your tiny world. You both have. From seeing Natasha the circus performer and  experiencing Louis the yoga teacher to some meaningful, cherished conversations. Like your mother, on the occasions we talk, it's unpretentious, direct and allows me to be as honest and complete as I can be. Thank you. I regret I could not be with Helen more and support you in your devoted care of her.

 

In my Jewish world, the term for Helen would be 'A Woman of Worth'. If I could, this is what I would write on her coffin. The description continues"her price is far above rubies". Hers is a life well lived, rich and varied in its gifts. I will miss her.

 

Love,

 

Peta