Claire Fogarty died on New Year's day. She took ill with pneumonia in the last few days of 2010 and, despite the best medical care, her condition deteriorated and she succumbed before the first light of the new year. Claire was dealt an exceptionally tough hand. She was born profoundly disabled and required constant care and support throughout her life. Mum cared for her at home until she was 7 and then after a few years at St Nicholas in Carlton she was lucky to be moved to a small community home in Box

Dear Mary and Family, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for you loss of Claire. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time of saddeness. I would like to share few thoughts in celebration of Claire's life. I have known Claire since 2003, when I commenced my job as direct carer at Berry St. In time, I've learned to know Claire well; her needs, wishes and desires. Like all of us, Claire enjoyed the simple things in life. Claire loved spending time in her day placement, and took part in many different activities, including outings, craft, music and sensory programs. Claire also loved walks in the park in a nice sunny days, or sitting in the garden and listening to the sounds of the birds, water running, and trees rustling in the breeze. She enjoyed peace and tranquillity. Claire liked shopping for clothes, or her favourite perfumes, or just sitting in the coffee shop and enjoying coffe and cake. Claire loved listening to her classical music, and most of all, Claire loved her solitude. Claire, you inspired me to face each day with renewed sense of hope, and a thankfulness for all that I have. I am grateful that I was given the chance to known Claire. All the memories I have shared with Claire will forever be cherished and remembered. Alex The Rose Beyond the Wall Near shady wall a rose once grew, Budded and blossomed in God's free light, Watered and fed by morning dew, Shedding its sweetness day and night. As it grew and blossomed fair and tall, Slowly rising to loftier height, It came to a crevice in the wall Through which there shone a beam of light. Onward it crept with added strength With never a thought of fear or pride, It followed the light through the crevice's length And unfolded itself on the other side. The light, the dew, the broadening view Were found the same as they were before, And it lost itself in beauties new, Breathing its fragrance more and more. Shall claim of death cause us to grieve And make our courage faint and fall? Nay! Let us faith and hope receive- The rose still grows beyond the wall, Scattering fragrance far and wide Just as it did in days of yore, Just as it did on the other side, Just as it will forevermore.