“Take this, put it in your pocket,” she told me. “Take this with you at tomorrow’s exam. You will sail through your surgical viva.” Then she said, “Let me give you a hug and remember Peter and I will be thinking about you.” That was more than a decade ago, but the heaps of care, concern and love which this feisty Briton-cum- Maltija dished out left an indelible mark on my soul and on the souls of those many others who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Like many others, I was privileged to have shared many happy and intense moments with Helen Muscat: an outstanding woman, mother, leader and diehard campaigner for breast cancer and for the Malta Hospice Movement.
Helen’s life was all about giving and loving till it hurts. Her radiant smile, her charm, her deep reflection and insight into what really matters influenced several people. Love was her daily bread and she baked trays of it to feed peoples’ souls.
Whether it was her beloved Dad, Doris the housekeeper or Champ the dog, she always had kinds words for one and all. She enjoyed people and welcomed them all. She was fun to be with. I miss those winter evenings pondering about the fundamentals of life in the Muscat’s cosy living room, glass of wine in one hand and nosy pet dog (forced) under the other. Her wisdom was practical, matter-of-fact and insightful. Yet it was always soothing. Her language was about love, whether we were all relaxing by the pool, running down Shaftsbury Avenue for dinner or whether we were late for La Triavata at the Aurora. Helen’s charm and radiant smile gave you a sense that everything was going to be just fine. She enjoyed the good life and ensured that all those around her enjoyed life too.
I remember when her husband Peter once reversed into my new car… she laughed so much and yet managed to call her husband an idiot! It didn’t matter. What mattered was that we were healthy and that we had a lovely time together. That is the power and charisma this wonderful mother had on people. She was intense and thorough in her projects and carried on till the very end, offering advice and support and of course more love for those in need. Meticulous, altruistic and diligent are words which just about manage to describe her character.
Her indefatigable professionalism for those who needed the most care, i.e. patients on their death bed and their loved ones, was exemplary. I recall her standing by the Zammit Clapp Hospital mortuary in her impeccable matron’s uniform consoling a grieving family as their loved one was being taken away from the hospital for burial. She did not leave until all their needs were met and until the last relative left. I know. I grieved then and was consoled.
Helen has left a legacy. A legacy entrusted to her family, her friends and her patients. She never gave up on life and made sure her family was a priority. She must be proud of her three gentlemen: Peter, Steve and Paul: each one carrying a part of Helen in their hearts. They too are special because they learnt about the joy of loving others and giving without a care in the world.
Go rest in God’s love and until we meet again, please keep an eye on us and smile at us. You will never be forgotten. What you wrote for me on that paper before my exam is a daily lesson for one and all: “I love you and always will”. Yes Helen, we are indeed grateful for what you did for us. We love you too Helen and always will. Goodbye dearest, may God bless you forever.