I’ve been putting off writing this post for a couple of days because honestly I just couldn’t face it…
Nanny Jean left us on the 8th January. She passed in her sleep just before midnight. Which of course means she made it through practically the whole of International Women’s Day, because of course she did! What else could we have expected from a woman who so consistently proved us wrong? One who taught us so much?
I wanted to thank everyone who has read this blog, has supported us through the years and who helped Nanny Jean accept and live with her dementia. Initially I was upset that Nanny Jean would not have many people attend her funeral, but I know that so many of you will be there in spirit and she would have been grateful for that.
The years I spent caring for her were tough, but they gave me so many memories of Nanny Jean that I can treasure and so much more time with her than I could have ever dreamed of. Leaving her broke my heart, but it was definitely the best thing for both of us. Her first few years in a group home she became happy and settled. My mum and sister took her to themed dances where she made even more friends, she would have nonsensical (to us anyway) conversations with other residents as the dementia progressed and she forgot words.
The last few weeks she spent so much time sleeping, and unable to react to other people that we knew the end would be soon. Last week my mum video called me from Nanny Jeans bedside and told Nanny Jean that Kirsty was on the phone. Nanny Jean opened her eyes and tried to hold the phone. She brought me closer to her face and blew kisses to the screen. So I got to say the perfect goodbye in the circumstances. One last treasured memory from the lady who taught me to knit, and never say no to dessert, and that all in all you never know what may happen so follow your dreams.
Thank you all once again from the bottom of my heart, for giving Nanny Jean and I a reason to plod on through the darkness after the diagnosis. For helping us see the light. For sharing our tears, frustrations and laughter. And for your thoughts this Saturday afternoon as we say goodbye and we’ll meet again to Nanny Jean Eyres.
Here is some of my favourite photos of Nanny Jean and also some of our videos together
We’ll Meet Again I've been putting off writing this post for a couple of days because honestly I just couldn't face it...