Vetnuus | Desember 2023 34 « BACK TO CONTENTS JEANNETTE OOSTHUIZEN 26 SEPTEMBER 1971 -10 NOVEMBER 2023 In the morning of my life, I shall look to the sunrise. At a moment in my life when the world is new. And the blessing I shall ask is that God will grant me, To be brave and strong and true, And to fill the world with love my whole life through. And to fill the world with love my whole life through In the noontime of my life, I shall look to the sunshine, At a moment in my life when the sky is blue. And the blessing I shall ask shall remain unchanging. To be brave and strong and true, And to fill the world with love my whole life through In the evening of my life, I shall look to the sunset, At a moment in my life when the night is due. And the question I shall ask only I can answer. Was I brave and strong and true? Did I fill the world with love my whole life through As I read these lyrics by Petula Clark, I look back over Jen’s life and I can answer yes to all these questions, Yes, she was Brave, she was Strong and she was True, and she filled the world with her special kind of love her whole life through. Jen loved her profession more than anything else, Her calling to be a veterinarian was so deeply ingrained within her soul. She had more compassion than anyone I have ever known, and she was deeply affected by her clients and patients and their welfare often weighed heavily upon her heart. She was so dedicated, often to her detriment, being so hard on herself when she couldn’t always control the outcome, something that many veterinarians struggle with. She wanted to help every animal that she came across and was always willing to go the extra mile, to give everything that she had. She was kind, and caring and she had such a gentle disposition. She would sacrifice anything to help where she was needed. I remember many a missed dinner where she was still ‘checking up on her patients’ even when she wasn’t on duty. She wore her emotions on her sleeve, and she carried so many of her patients in her heart. She tried so hard to climb out of the hole and the darkness that mental illness creates; all she wanted to do was go back to being a veterinarian. She knew nothing else, and that is what her entire being was knitted together for. I am so proud of the fight that she put up, she was so brave, she was so strong and she was so true. I will miss you my friend – and as your sun has set, I’m so glad that I was privileged to know and see your heart. v Lynda Horne It is with much sadness that we pay our final respects and say goodbye to our dear friend Jeannette Oosthuizen who has lost the protracted struggle against depression. Although the recent events cast a dark shadow of sorrow, we shall always remember Jeannette as loyal to her friends, honest and true to herself and principled in her dedication as a veterinary professional. Dedicating her whole life to her veterinary career, her unremitting love and care for animals was clear to everyone. Jeannette, if only you could realise and embrace your worth, and live the precious life that you deserve; the world you left behind would have been graced. We shall miss you. Now put down the burdens precious little one. You and I must not forget how to live. v Sophette Gers
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