The Pattullo's move to Vancouver also necessitated the commitment of their daughter, Christina May, to the Essondale Mental Institution in New Westminster. May, their oldest daughter suffered a severe head injury in 1877, at the age of five. She fell from a fence and the railing fell on top of her. She never progressed mentally past the age of five. Now too old to look after her and facing an uncertain future themselves, William and Jessie made the painful and heartbreaking decision to commit her.
Letters in May’s file indicate that William and Jessie had trouble paying for her keep; therefore the doctors reduced the weekly charge from $5 to $2.50. In another letter dated May 1914, Jessie sent two new dresses “would you be so kind as to see if they fit her fairly well. I have asked her Aunt in Vancouver to send her shoes, fruit and candies. I am sorry I am not able at present to go to see May myself but they tell me she looks happy and contented. Would you please send me by parcel post one of her worn out dresses that fits her pretty well. It would be a guide for making others for her as it is hard to fit her without being able to try them on. I will pay postage with many thanks for all kindness.
Even at May’s death in 1921, the Pattullo’s could not say enough about the kind treatment their daughter received.
On behalf of her parents, sisters and brothers, we thank you for the tender consideration you have shown toward the deceased. We have always felt that she was in the very best place open to her – Both Doctors, matron, nurses and attendants have always been spoken of very highly for their kind treatment and painstaking care. Kindly send an account for maintenance and or any extra expense on account of her illness or death. We would also be pleased of a few words from the matron regarding deceased as to whether she seemed happy there during these years, and also as to her condition during her last illness as to whether she suffered pain and as to whether she showed any additional signs of conscious intelligence during the days she was ill, and whether she indicated any desire to see her parents or any of us.
A reply from the hospital listed the clinical description of her illness and treatment as well as the line – During this illness patient did not improve mentally and by persistent treatment she suffered very little pain. At no time did she ask for her parents or any of the family. A rather cold response to parents that cared deeply and worried constantly about their daughter. I would assume, like so many Essondale patients she was buried in an unmarked grave on the grounds of the institution. April 3, 1921 Victor, Zell & I are taking care of $200 of the funeral costs, so that will help conserve your funds.
Fire, drought, a move across the country, a handicapped child– what trials they faced – but held up well under them!
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