What My Great Aunt’s Passing Taught Me

October 27, 2024

Recently, my great aunt (we called her Auntie Babs) passed away. She suffered from both a brain tumor and dementia. My Auntie Babs was one of the most generous, kind, and caring people in the world. Even though we lived across the country from her, she always made sure to make us feel loved. Every Christmas, she sent my little brother and me the most beautifully and thoughtfully wrapped gifts. Last year she sent me a stained glass ornament of a blue jay.

She was healthy, until one day, she was driving, and felt confused. She somehow got lost and was found (by coincidence) in a dementia home. The workers thought she was one of the patients! Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor the next day. In her last weeks, she was very confused. But despite her suffering, she still thought of her family. She knew she didn’t have much time left, and so instead of focusing on herself, she made it her priority to send my family Christmas gifts.

I am still touched by her kindness and her love towards us. She also sent my father, Geoff, a card (above). It delivered to our house after her funeral, and we all knew that she was very confused when she wrote it. It was a mothers day card addressed to my dad. But, that just goes to show how caring and loving my great aunt was. People with dementia may not know how to express their feelings, but that does not mean they feel any less than we do. They have big hearts and on the inside are still the same lovely people. With love for Auntie Babs, I will continue to visit seniors with dementia, no matter the severity, and treat them with the same love and compassion that she gave to me.