A good few years ago my grandmothers sister worked in a home for disabled people.
She met Fiona who was severely handicapped. Born with severe mental and physical disabilities. Her mother failed to cope, failed to bond and Fiona was put into a care home.
My great aunt and her got on incredibly well. Fiona couldn't talk, had physical disfigurement and was confined to a wheelchair. But amongst all that, Fiona and my great aunt had a special bond.
In the early 90's my great aunt quit her job at the care home and along with her husband they became Fiona's legal guardians. With my great aunts children grown up, my great aunt was back to being a mum. Fiona's mental capacity at best was that of a 2 year old and as I said, she never learned to speak but her and great aunt could communicate as they needed to.
Fionas health was always poor.
She had ongoing infections and would be in and out of hospital quite regular.
She lost her fight for life early yesterday morning.
She was never expected to live to the age of 30 so it was a blessing that she passed away peacefully aged 45. The love and care she had had over the years gave her a 50% longer life span.
When my great uncle died last year, it was fairly sudden. He passed away less than a month of being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Less than 10 months later my great aunt has lost a daughter as well. Fiona never fully understood my great uncles death but she knew things were different. Things never were the same and now my great aunt is in mourning once again.
I write this post to celebrate Fiona and to celebrate my great aunt for giving her a life worth living. Though she may not have had all the things the majority of us have, Fiona was a happy soul and I base much of that onto her adoptive parents. They made her life worthwhile and she was a very well loved member of the family.
I wish her peace and I wish my great aunt strength.
Friday is my grandads funeral so it will be very hard all round. It will be a month on Sunday since we lost him but the local creamtorium has a 4 week wait. Just as we all seem to be coping (my nan is now starting to accept it) then it will be a few steps back as we have a chance to say final goodbyes.
2011 sure has started bad for my family, I hope it improves very soon.
I am sorry to hear about another loss in your family. Its never easy to deal with but remember, she was in amazing care with your great Aunt and Uncle and now she will be in the care of the one above. At peace and comfort and both her and your Great Uncle and Grandfather will be watching over you and your family. Hugs and well wishes to you.
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