Montenna's Story
Montenna Gillian Wendt {Monty} Born 21st June 2006 In God's arms 4th June 2008. Montenna means: "Mountain of Strength"
Monty's Respite Hospice Association Inc. has been developed to honour an amazing, courageous and inspiring little girl. In Montenna's short life she touched the lives of so many and taught us all a precious lessons.
Please when you are reading this, keep in mind that building this website is difficult task and therefore the process may take some time... please visit regularly and read on. Thank you, Cindy {Monty's Mum}
Montenna Gillian Wendt was born at the Wesley Hospital Brisbane. Monty {for short} came about from one big brother {Western}immediately changing her name by shortening it to Monty. She was also referred to by Western as "Monty pops" and "Monty chops" depending on the situation.
From the moment this little girl entered the world, life as we understood it was forever changed. She was so courageous, amazing, and yet soft and gentle all in one little body. As a family, we were so much richer for being in her presence. As time moved forward we were to learn that this little girl's amazing gift was to give love and enable all of those around her to feel intoxicated by her fighting spirit and will to live. Not just live - but shine !!
At 22 weeks gestation, an ultrasound revealed that Montenna had a brain injury. The extent of her condition was unknown and therefore, it was believed by those involved that it was best she be delivered at only 32weeks - 8 weeks before she was due. Weighing only 1.730 Ib (or 0.786 kg!), little Montenna was further diagnosed with a rare condition called schizencephaly type 2. A very rare brain condition that is largely unknown in the world.
It was a testimony to Monty's fighting spirit that she survived the birth and became a miracle in the making - our miracle.
On the sixth day following Montenna's birth we made the journey home to rural and remote Mundubbera in Queensland, Australia, 4.5hours drive from Brisbane and the hospital. As a family we were set on embracing every precious minute we were granted of Monty's life. Dale and I believed with all our conviction that if Montenna was to live, we had to give her a good motivation to fight on ... and we believed that was to shower her with every ounce of love that we could muster. I remember thinking, "she has to know love; Montenna has to know home; she must know just how deeply she is loved and desired in our family".
The months to come were intense to say the least. A prem baby with a terminal illness facing challenges that we barely understood, plunged us into a new world - one in which every moment was precious and our lives took on new meaning. Montenna's physical care involved much intensive care treatment, at an extreme level. Fortunately for our family I was a trained nurse and able to provide most of her care, while over time, Dale also mastered the skills needed to provide the care required. Monty's medical condition demanded an intensive schedule.
Moreover, through all of this Western and his sister Montenna formed a bond of love and trust. Together they continued to grow, love, play,cry, share and build precious memories we now treasure. At 3 months of age Montenna's left eye erupted which was a life threatening event, making it necessary to rush her to Brisbane and consult with her specialist. At this stage Monty was still very small and very unwell she would not have survived a long journey by car. Luckily for us, a wonderful organisation called "ANGEL FLIGHT" flew us to Brisbane. {We are forever grateful}
This was a very stressful time for everyone. There was a very real possibility that Montenna would not surive the massive operation to remove her left eye, but it was necessary to ensure her life. An intensely stressful period followed and once again our beautiful daughter shone through!!!. She never complained and continued to give love and joy to all of those in her presence. Angel Flight continued to fly us from rural Mundubbera to Brisbane whenever required to receive treatment and each and every flight we thanked our lucky stars for these amazing and inspiring people who so generously do so much good for others.
Montenna began to recover physically from her operation and the loss of her eye, however, her brain condition remained unchanged. At this time and when her health allowed, we explored a little bit more of life-embracing nature. One of Monty's favourite things was to take walks in the fresh air, interacting with our animals, exploring and playing through the help of the special education department Narthon, Bundaberg and Mundubbera. The learning model utilized was formed by Dr Lilli Nielsen. Montenna played with great pleasure and her life was enriched by embracing life. Those in her presence felt humbled.
Our family and friends embraced us with warmth, love and consideration. We were never alone on our journey. There were always, and still are, those amazing devoted family members and friends who gave unconditionally. We are forever in your debt. Thank you.
Please allow me to mention that Montenna's life was mostly made brilliant by her... her amazing smile and incredible spirit.
