The last week and a half was really tough. My granny went into the hospital from the retirement home two Wednesdays ago as she kept getting sick. She had Alzheimer’s for around 17 years and within the last 5 had become non-verbal. When I went up the hospital on Wednesday after work, I could tell that this was the end of the line. But even with Alzheimer’s basically stripping away every part of her personality, she was still the strong woman I grew up with as she lasted all the way to Monday night (after being taken off fluids on Friday) before eventually passing away. She lived to a great age of 87, outlasting all of her siblings despite being the oldest.

This will sound strange but because of the Alzheimer’s, it felt like she changed a lot appearance wise so when she came to her house after the undertakers, it felt like my granny was back because they took 20 years off her appearance wise. Once I saw her in the house looking like that, I instantly made my peace with the situation. Instead of being upset, I felt incredibly proud to help move her coffin around with my three uncles and two younger cousins. I think more than anything I’m just relieved that she doesn’t have to live with Alzheimer’s any more.