Jo funeral was held on Friday 9th October, it was a dry day and the turn out was very good, standing room only. Thanks to everyone who came and gave their support to the family. It was a lovely service, just how Jo wanted it to be. Thanks to all family and friends for their support and help. There have been many tributes to Jo made by her friends, and I would like to thank the following people for their kind messages. Thanks for all donations made to Katharine House so far, the collection will remain open for another week:
Elaine, John, Kirsten, Shirley, Mark & Deborah (Barn Farm Plants), Dogs for the Disabled, Leslie Sharp, Elma & Paul Hancock, Jean & Fred, Iris & Harry, Tony & Sue, Maggie & John Davies, Kim, Jerry, Norman, Kathy, PD Exercise Group, Carol Mills, Claire & Vic Fannon, Pete & Chris, Martin Hole, Carole, Trevor Twinham, Pat Drennan & Denise Buckeldee, Frankie Thomas, Mick & Carol Clayton, Jo Clewley, Linda & Roy Deakin, David Raby, Alan & Wendy Woodward, David Gill Morgan, Maurice & Rita Humphries, Tony & Jenny Orchard, Bernard & Joan Knat, Karen of Greigcare, Mike & Kay O'Meara, Margaret & Paul Messer, Eric & Jenny Clowes, Steph Gordon, Ann Lyons, Tony & Sally Mansell, Pauline & Gareth Joyner, Nicola & Neil from Cinnamon Trust, Mick & Rose Steel, Ann, & Carl Edwards and Jim Lloyd, Jonathan & Jane Meredith, Cinnamon Trust, Michael & Moyra Alcock, Paul & Sarah Knight, Deborah & Ashley Gurr, Sarah Edwards, Mike & Diane Fitchett, Diana Stephens, Sue Lawrie, Mary & Phil Street, Staff at Banbury County Court, Colleagues at Charter Community Housing, Peter & Ann Jackman, all Members of Banbury & District Dog Training Club, Lesley, Sheila & Adrian Mound, Steve & Mark, SMH Gas Specialists, Sue Howlett, Jo Cox, Colin & Joyce Smith, Alan & Betty Holder, Anne & Trevor Shepherd, Brian & Pip Hunt, Pat Sunderland, Claire, Chris & Chay, Paul & Sue Gibbons, Peter & Fiona Bays, Rachel & Andrew, Dr Debbie Neville, Paul & Sally, Bob & Chris Sturgess, Jackie & Patrick Light, Dennis & Jean Swaysland, Kathy, Tony & Hannah, Frank & Jan, Mike & Karen Wilmshurst, Linda & David Godfrey, Judi, Doris (from Longtown), Wendy & Malcolm Whyatt, Kevin Collins, Janet Cox, Ray & Joyce Hughes, Ian Swaysland, Bob & Jane Burson, Jean & John Tompkins, Lynn & Colin.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Update 3rd October - Funeral Arrangements
As promised overspill parking has been arranged in the field adjacent to the church and pub. Entrance to the overspill car park will be in Silver Street. There will be some notices and someone will be there to park you. The field is stoney and has recently been mowed for the funeral so it should not be too bad if it is wet. There is also a gate in the field that leads into the churchyard. We are expecting alot of people so please park considerately.
Jo is now in the Chapel of Rest at Humphries in Albert Street, visiting during office hours in unrestricted. Those wishing to visit out of office hours should ring 01295 265424 to make an appointment. There is a collection with Humphries for Katharine House, in accordance with Jo's wishes, and particularly because of the wonderful care she received whilst at the hospice. Jo wanted a collection for the hospice instead of flowers.
Many thanks, Bernie
Jo is now in the Chapel of Rest at Humphries in Albert Street, visiting during office hours in unrestricted. Those wishing to visit out of office hours should ring 01295 265424 to make an appointment. There is a collection with Humphries for Katharine House, in accordance with Jo's wishes, and particularly because of the wonderful care she received whilst at the hospice. Jo wanted a collection for the hospice instead of flowers.
Many thanks, Bernie
Monday, 28 September 2009
Funeral details
Dress for Jo’s funeral at Jo’s request;
Ladies, no black or black with some colour
Gentlemen, don’t feel you have to wear black as with the ladies black with some colour would be good.
Again at Jo’s request no flowers, donations to Katherine House Hospice via J & M Humphries, 32 Albert St Banbury OX16 5DG
tel:-01295 265424
Overspill parking will be confirmed in the next couple of days.
There is a DVD of Jo’s live being put together. There will be some discrete photography by Wendy Wyatt at the funeral at the families request.
Ladies, no black or black with some colour
Gentlemen, don’t feel you have to wear black as with the ladies black with some colour would be good.
Again at Jo’s request no flowers, donations to Katherine House Hospice via J & M Humphries, 32 Albert St Banbury OX16 5DG
tel:-01295 265424
Overspill parking will be confirmed in the next couple of days.
There is a DVD of Jo’s live being put together. There will be some discrete photography by Wendy Wyatt at the funeral at the families request.
GUEST BLOGGER - SARAH EDWARDS - TO JO JO
I Like You
I like you because of this and that......because of what you don't and do
but most because of who you are.....through and through
When there is a chance of happiness (or ice cream) in the air....
you say "yes! Let's go for it". As if "yes" were the most natural of words
I like you because you are yes-y and brave
and because, left up to my own devices, I can be a big chicken about life
"Yes, you can" you always say..............
You help me to balance life, and I help you to do the same
When hard rain falls, I hold an umbrella for you
and when the future gets foggy, you hold hopeful signs for me
We're friends, and I like you yesterday, today, and tomorrow too
Some days we act shady in the shade
and other days, we open up in the sun
Most days, we just go on and on.......
Sometimes, we dress up in dressy clothes and dangerous shoes
and go out with disastrous men in cowboy boots and seersucker suits
and, although we don't say anything bad at the time............
afterwards, we laugh very hard about our worst dates and bad mistakes!
I like being friends with you when the rain pitter-patters the roof
and when the daffodils pop
I like being friends with you when the snow is good for making snowballs,
and we make piles to hide behind and throw at Millie the dog when she walks by......
But sometimes I just like to be alone,
and that's OK because you like to be alone too
But then we always get bored and you come and knock on my door and say
"come out, come out, wherever you are..........."
and I like that too
Sometimes I feel grumpy and ugly, and then we go out shopping for silly hats
because silliness is a lifesaver
You help me forget about myself and remember the bigger picture
Sometimes we like to chum around in boats
Well, I like that more than you do, but you come along for the ride
(even though I ask you to carry the bait)
and even though you don't like water so much "Yuck" you say "yuck" "Yuck"
But you come anyway
and later, I go on the ferris wheel with you.......even though I don't like heights
not one little bit at all
and after, we both feel stretched thin
"Whew!!" we say, being friends can be tiring
Sometimes we don't see each other for a long, long time
I'm on the island of leave me alone, and you're in the city of work work work
or one of us is lost in the city of so-in-love
But I know that if I had a sad something happen to me you would zoom to my side
and you would make a nice cup of tea and we would sip-sip all hokey-yokey like little old ladies
and you would say "uh-huh...........ummmmmmmm, I know, I know....." sort of words
that would fall all around me like rain on a lake
because you understand how peaceful rain on a lake sounds
and, if you ever fell into a big hole, you know I wouldn't say "that's that!" and walk away
NO WAY
I would climb down to help you even if there was only a rope ladder (I don't like rope ladders)
and I would help you up
Everyone knows you can't leave a friend in a big hole
and I know that if I ever got lost at sea, you would look for me
even though the ocean is big, you would say "you are not as lost as you think you are"
and you would be right
But being friends with you isn't all peaches and cream
There are days I truly dislike your ways, and the way you truffle into your snuffles
Sometimes you think I'm not so sporty either
Then I think, who needs friends anyway? I don't have the time or energy for that stuff.....
Hmm, hmm, hm.......I think, life is so peaceful, but peaceful isn't all it's cracked up to be
Alot of things suddenly seem out of balance, and the world seems somehow harder
and after a while it begins to make no sense at all
Sometimes we talk and talk to make it all OK again, or you bump into me in the cereal aisle
and we say "hi-hi", I missed you boo-hoo and it all melts away to nothing
Because friendship is bigger than everything
and we say "let's not lose touch again!" and we nod, but we don't really mean it, because we're just us (not some icky-perfect-goody-two-shoes people who smile all the time and never get mad) - we have flaws and fizzles and foibles - we're friends
I like your true (and kooky) colours - you like my big and moody heart
I like you when we act like kids on the swings
and you like me when we're wicked as witches on Halloween
and we'll be friends until the end of always..................
because liking is a thing that grows and grows (even through the hard parts)
(by Sandy Gingras)
I like you because of this and that......because of what you don't and do
but most because of who you are.....through and through
When there is a chance of happiness (or ice cream) in the air....
you say "yes! Let's go for it". As if "yes" were the most natural of words
I like you because you are yes-y and brave
and because, left up to my own devices, I can be a big chicken about life
"Yes, you can" you always say..............
You help me to balance life, and I help you to do the same
When hard rain falls, I hold an umbrella for you
and when the future gets foggy, you hold hopeful signs for me
We're friends, and I like you yesterday, today, and tomorrow too
Some days we act shady in the shade
and other days, we open up in the sun
Most days, we just go on and on.......
Sometimes, we dress up in dressy clothes and dangerous shoes
and go out with disastrous men in cowboy boots and seersucker suits
and, although we don't say anything bad at the time............
afterwards, we laugh very hard about our worst dates and bad mistakes!
I like being friends with you when the rain pitter-patters the roof
and when the daffodils pop
I like being friends with you when the snow is good for making snowballs,
and we make piles to hide behind and throw at Millie the dog when she walks by......
But sometimes I just like to be alone,
and that's OK because you like to be alone too
But then we always get bored and you come and knock on my door and say
"come out, come out, wherever you are..........."
and I like that too
Sometimes I feel grumpy and ugly, and then we go out shopping for silly hats
because silliness is a lifesaver
You help me forget about myself and remember the bigger picture
Sometimes we like to chum around in boats
Well, I like that more than you do, but you come along for the ride
(even though I ask you to carry the bait)
and even though you don't like water so much "Yuck" you say "yuck" "Yuck"
But you come anyway
and later, I go on the ferris wheel with you.......even though I don't like heights
not one little bit at all
and after, we both feel stretched thin
"Whew!!" we say, being friends can be tiring
Sometimes we don't see each other for a long, long time
I'm on the island of leave me alone, and you're in the city of work work work
or one of us is lost in the city of so-in-love
But I know that if I had a sad something happen to me you would zoom to my side
and you would make a nice cup of tea and we would sip-sip all hokey-yokey like little old ladies
and you would say "uh-huh...........ummmmmmmm, I know, I know....." sort of words
that would fall all around me like rain on a lake
because you understand how peaceful rain on a lake sounds
and, if you ever fell into a big hole, you know I wouldn't say "that's that!" and walk away
NO WAY
I would climb down to help you even if there was only a rope ladder (I don't like rope ladders)
and I would help you up
Everyone knows you can't leave a friend in a big hole
and I know that if I ever got lost at sea, you would look for me
even though the ocean is big, you would say "you are not as lost as you think you are"
and you would be right
But being friends with you isn't all peaches and cream
There are days I truly dislike your ways, and the way you truffle into your snuffles
Sometimes you think I'm not so sporty either
Then I think, who needs friends anyway? I don't have the time or energy for that stuff.....
Hmm, hmm, hm.......I think, life is so peaceful, but peaceful isn't all it's cracked up to be
Alot of things suddenly seem out of balance, and the world seems somehow harder
and after a while it begins to make no sense at all
Sometimes we talk and talk to make it all OK again, or you bump into me in the cereal aisle
and we say "hi-hi", I missed you boo-hoo and it all melts away to nothing
Because friendship is bigger than everything
and we say "let's not lose touch again!" and we nod, but we don't really mean it, because we're just us (not some icky-perfect-goody-two-shoes people who smile all the time and never get mad) - we have flaws and fizzles and foibles - we're friends
I like your true (and kooky) colours - you like my big and moody heart
I like you when we act like kids on the swings
and you like me when we're wicked as witches on Halloween
and we'll be friends until the end of always..................
because liking is a thing that grows and grows (even through the hard parts)
(by Sandy Gingras)
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Jo's arranements 25th Sept
The Funeral arrangements for Jo.
the funeral directors are J & M Humphris, 32 Albert St Banbury OX16 5DG tel:-01295 265424
Jo will be taken from the Katherine House on Tuesday the 29 th September and she will be in the chapel of rest for visits by appointment, from Wednesday until the 8th Oct.
The Funeral will take place on Friday the 9th of October at Chacombe Church at 2pm and there after at the Banbury Crematorium Southam rd. (for family and close friends).
Parking in and around Chacombe church is very limited there is some parking in the car park behind the G&D pub gut make sure you buy a drink ,I'm anticipating a very large turn out so I am negotiating extra parking in the adjacent field to the pub. I will let you know as soon as possible if thats ok.
the funeral directors are J & M Humphris, 32 Albert St Banbury OX16 5DG tel:-01295 265424
Jo will be taken from the Katherine House on Tuesday the 29 th September and she will be in the chapel of rest for visits by appointment, from Wednesday until the 8th Oct.
The Funeral will take place on Friday the 9th of October at Chacombe Church at 2pm and there after at the Banbury Crematorium Southam rd. (for family and close friends).
Parking in and around Chacombe church is very limited there is some parking in the car park behind the G&D pub gut make sure you buy a drink ,I'm anticipating a very large turn out so I am negotiating extra parking in the adjacent field to the pub. I will let you know as soon as possible if thats ok.
Friday, 25 September 2009
The saddest day of my life
I am sorry to say that Jo passed away peacefully today at 1205hrs.
She will be sadly missed by all her family, friends and colleagues whose help and support has been of enormous comfort over the last few months.
Once arrangements are comfirmed I'll post the details.
We welcome all who wish to join the family in celebrating Jo's life.
She will be sadly missed by all her family, friends and colleagues whose help and support has been of enormous comfort over the last few months.
Once arrangements are comfirmed I'll post the details.
We welcome all who wish to join the family in celebrating Jo's life.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Update Sunday 13th Sept
I do apologise for the long gapbut I'm near exaustion after these eight months of watch waiting, the last month has been particlarly distress especiallying since Jo's personality changes - the anger and rejection are the hardest things which are continually directed at me are particularly very difficult to understand. all the theories by the nurses and doctors do nothing to take away the pain I feel every day at being told to go away is unimaginable.
Jo was administered the last Rites on Thursday she was awake and she did her best to participate. and now she has been moved to a room on her on her own - so that her temper tantrums directed at the Doctor and nurses didn't upset the the patience.
I asked the doctor what her best guess was and she said weeks not days, that was 3 weeks ago. the longer she lasts the more pain she suffers and the more agitated she gets. I've given up predicting, I just pray that the end comes sooner than later to give her a happy release. she has been suffering to long. if you go to visit just go in and go right to the end of the Hospice she is in a room behind the ward clerk's desk.
If when you have paid a visit you can post a guest blog it will update and give a different slant on the situation thus making it easier for me.
Jo was administered the last Rites on Thursday she was awake and she did her best to participate. and now she has been moved to a room on her on her own - so that her temper tantrums directed at the Doctor and nurses didn't upset the the patience.
I asked the doctor what her best guess was and she said weeks not days, that was 3 weeks ago. the longer she lasts the more pain she suffers and the more agitated she gets. I've given up predicting, I just pray that the end comes sooner than later to give her a happy release. she has been suffering to long. if you go to visit just go in and go right to the end of the Hospice she is in a room behind the ward clerk's desk.
If when you have paid a visit you can post a guest blog it will update and give a different slant on the situation thus making it easier for me.
Monday, 31 August 2009
Guest Blogger Sarah Edwards
Bernie and I have been up to see Jo this morning, and she was fast asleep and she looked so beautiful and peaceful. The nurses say that she has been more settled today. She was in some pain, but the nurse gave her some painkillers and they seemed to help, and was probably why she was sleeping. We didn't wake her up as it seemed best to leave her to sleep, and Bernie is going to visit again later.
Millie and Jess have been in to see her, and were very excited to see their mum. Jo gave them a cuddle. They miss her and are on constant watch for her to come home.
Millie and Jess have been in to see her, and were very excited to see their mum. Jo gave them a cuddle. They miss her and are on constant watch for her to come home.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Guest Blogger Deborah Gurr
Bernie and I went to see Jo today , Jo is very quiet now the sedation helping Jo makes her very sleepy. Although it is comforting not to see Jo in an agitated state it is very upsetting to see her so tired and hardly with us.
Jo has complained of some pain in the last day or so, not severe and she is having painkillers to help.
Doctors have now said that it is a matter of weeks now.
If you do visit do not be alarmed that JO might not be very aware of who you are or that you are there.
Jo has complained of some pain in the last day or so, not severe and she is having painkillers to help.
Doctors have now said that it is a matter of weeks now.
If you do visit do not be alarmed that JO might not be very aware of who you are or that you are there.
Thursday, 20 August 2009
up date Jo
Jo has gone back to the Katherine House H0spice , on Wednesday entirely of her own volition. If you intend visit her prepare your self for quite shock as her personality has totally changed and it is very difficult to think of her as the quiet calm sweet Jo that we all knew and loved.
The Jo we see no is very angry and a bit aggressive , please don't take any thing she says to heart as she does not know what she is saying to you. It is very distressing to sit with her he hospice is trying very hard to get to the root of this new phase. another up date in a few days
The Jo we see no is very angry and a bit aggressive , please don't take any thing she says to heart as she does not know what she is saying to you. It is very distressing to sit with her he hospice is trying very hard to get to the root of this new phase. another up date in a few days
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Up-date Tuesday 18th August
Just a quick note to let everyone know that after a difficult 2 days nights, Jo has been allocated a bed back in the Katherione House Hospice. Please note that she is very poorly so I would ask that you leave the next couple of days free of visits and then ring the Hospice first to see if she is up to it before you go. KH, tel: 01295 811866.
When I have news of her condition I will update the blog.
When I have news of her condition I will update the blog.
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Apologies for the gap between blogs but we have had a busy week. Jo had a good week in Katherine House and we were very pleased with the level of care that they provided. We even got a Sunday lunch together.
Jo came out of Katherine House on Tuesday afternoon and is now at home with us all once again. Her condition has stabalised but she is still suffering with a UTI which can sometimes be quite uncomfortable for her.
Jo is very glad to be home but is still readjusting after having spent over a week away. We are also still getting back into routine. The carers are now coming to see Jo four times a day which gives her more confidence and takes a lot of pressure off of us.
Whilst Jo is looking forward to seeing people she is using this week to get back into routine and adjust to being at home again. If you wish to visit please telephone to arrange a time with us.
Jo came out of Katherine House on Tuesday afternoon and is now at home with us all once again. Her condition has stabalised but she is still suffering with a UTI which can sometimes be quite uncomfortable for her.
Jo is very glad to be home but is still readjusting after having spent over a week away. We are also still getting back into routine. The carers are now coming to see Jo four times a day which gives her more confidence and takes a lot of pressure off of us.
Whilst Jo is looking forward to seeing people she is using this week to get back into routine and adjust to being at home again. If you wish to visit please telephone to arrange a time with us.
Monday, 27 July 2009
Latest news on Jo
Jo has had a difficult weekend with her UTI and other symptoms associated with her tumor and this morning there was a significant down turn in her condition, so much so that we had to call our GP Jonathan Williams who confirmed our worst fears that there had a been definite change.
He has arranged for Jo to go admitted to the Katherine House Hospice ASAP - I've just been informed that it will be tomorrow morning. I hope that she lasts that long I'm uncertain what tomorrow will bring.
I'm don't know what the visiting arrangements at the Hospice so I suggest people ring and check as Jo's condition will determine if she can have visitors. K.H.H. tel .01295 811866.
He has arranged for Jo to go admitted to the Katherine House Hospice ASAP - I've just been informed that it will be tomorrow morning. I hope that she lasts that long I'm uncertain what tomorrow will bring.
I'm don't know what the visiting arrangements at the Hospice so I suggest people ring and check as Jo's condition will determine if she can have visitors. K.H.H. tel .01295 811866.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Short up date
sorry for the delay , but Iwas waiting for some photos from Bob Clewley, He's just started a new Job so understandably that takes precedence.
first an update on Jo's condition. She continues to baffle the medics as she has been quite stable that is until ago when she developed a bowel disorder hence the non appearance at the Bluegrass gig on Sunday this has been compounded with a severe Urinary Tract Infection which continues to make her feel very poorly, and she feels so tired that she spends most of the day asleep.
She doesn't feel like seeing anybody so she apologizes to all who wanted to pay a visit and were disappointed, she Say's as soon as the various antibiotics start to do there job and she feels a bit better, she'd love to see all her friends again - in ones and two's.
as soon as I get some photos from the B&BG I'll update the blog.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Update Sunday 5th July
The last week has seen some baffling changes to Jo's condition, early last week she was critical and giving cause for considerable concern. But by the end of the week her symptoms had markedly improved, she was stringing longer sentences together and she got out of bed for on a couple occasions just to sit down stairs and share conversation with visitors.
She even managed to go down the road for visit a distance of 75 yds being pushed in her wheel chair. the only thing that went wrong occurred on Saturday:she had been suffering a bad water infection that became very bad so much so that we had to call the out of hours doctors service.
Her catheter had blocked an couldn't pass water for 5/6 ours she was in excruciating pain.after numerous phone calls to the District nurse at 6:40pm, some 3 hours later, and after she had changed the catheter the pain eased and she started to improve.
Sunday.
after a comfortable night , Jo is in pain again, we think a change in the antibiotics will improve things, that's considered opinion of the District Nurse who came in this morning, we have a district nurse every morning..
The GP who came to see her is surprised that her condition had improved, he may even talk to the oncologist to see if another ct scan reveals a change in the Tumor which is giving signs of shrinking, though seems great news for Jo the slight improvement in her condition is still not enough to change her quality of life very much, the prospect of being in this condition for months fills her with trepidation, she has now had enough and would like dignified exit.
Her next goal is to be able to go to the Beer & Bluegrass concert next Sunday the 12th to meet up with friends and enjoy the music and good company, we still have a few tickets left if you want to come along.
Monday, 29 June 2009
Update
Jo has had a very good weekend , since the previous weekend which was very scary, she has been put on a drug cocktail that has perked her up no end, but due to her deteriorating condition she is becoming increasingly very tired so the GP and the Macmillan Nurses have asked me to limit her visitors to strictly to 4 persons in any one day, and only family on Sundays as it was all getting too much for her. so please ring in advance and I'll put you in the diary she would love to say good bye to all her friends. but at a leisurely pace that doesn't wipe her out
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Change of plan
Jo has changed her mind, she now wants to stay at home right up to the end. So we have cancelled her respite week at the Kathrine House Hospice. It'll make it much harder for Jamie and I, but it's her will and we will get an enormous amont of help from the McMillan nurses.
Friday, 19 June 2009
Jo condition gives cause for concern
After a very bad night Jo has got worse she woke up this morning delerious and very aggitated we called in the Macmillan nurse and he doctor, aftter examining her and talking to her they are of the opinion that Jo is fading rapidly. They contacted the paliative care consultant who prescribed different drugs, basicly to make her comforftable untill the end, whicfh could be any day now. We have a nightnurse on all night.
I'm numb I can't image life without my Jo.
I'm numb I can't image life without my Jo.
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Jo's condition worsens
Since Sunday Jo's has detriorated rather quickly, her speech is now totally inaudible and her movements are very unstable and she has had several falls.
she sleeps alot now which is a sign of the start of the final phase. And her personality has chaged . we all remember her as a soft spoken and chatty person, who allways wore a smile, now she is increasingly withdrawn and she sits for most of the day gazing out at the garden and rocking back and forth in her favourite chair, it is heart breaking to watch.
The dogs are very aware and they no longer spend as much time sitting with her favourite"Millie" our black lab allways used to sit with on her head on Jo's lap: now she goes into her bed something she's never done.
Jo goes into the Kathrine House Hospice a week Friday. I'm afraid that she will not come out.
The beer and bluegrass will still be going ahead regardless - this is Jo's wish, for those of you left that have not bought tickets or know nothing of the event, go to www.beerandbluegrass.co.uk the tickets are going fast so have a look, it's unlikely that Jo will be around for it so we will make it a memorial event.
I'm finishing now as the sleepless nights are begining to take there toll.
she sleeps alot now which is a sign of the start of the final phase. And her personality has chaged . we all remember her as a soft spoken and chatty person, who allways wore a smile, now she is increasingly withdrawn and she sits for most of the day gazing out at the garden and rocking back and forth in her favourite chair, it is heart breaking to watch.
The dogs are very aware and they no longer spend as much time sitting with her favourite"Millie" our black lab allways used to sit with on her head on Jo's lap: now she goes into her bed something she's never done.
Jo goes into the Kathrine House Hospice a week Friday. I'm afraid that she will not come out.
The beer and bluegrass will still be going ahead regardless - this is Jo's wish, for those of you left that have not bought tickets or know nothing of the event, go to www.beerandbluegrass.co.uk the tickets are going fast so have a look, it's unlikely that Jo will be around for it so we will make it a memorial event.
I'm finishing now as the sleepless nights are begining to take there toll.
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Update Sunday 7th June 2009 - Bernie and Sarah
Jo had her last assessment at the Churchill and was given the bad news, things have steady progressed especially her stability and use of her right hand, which is now practically disfunctional.
They have upped her medication in the hope of improving her speech, however, the difference is insignificant. The MacMillan nurses come in regularly and are excellent. We have found their service valuable, and we are very grateful for their help.
Jo has got a respite week at the Katharine House Hospice beginning Friday 26th June to Friday 3rd July, and plans are being made for Bernie to go with her. Both Bernie and Jo would love to see you whilst they are at Katharine House, but it might be an idea to ring the hospice to check visiting times and whether it's OK.
This is Sarah - the MacMillan Nurse advises that she feels it is better that Jo has only up to 3 visitors a day, as she is getting very tired. The effort she has to put into speaking is really exhausting, so please could you ring Bernie first if you are intending to visit, just to check that she's up to it. She is still really keen to see you all, but we just have to be a bit careful. We have a laugh trying to understand each other, and a few good games of charades have come out of it!!!
She's a brave woman and I admire her so much for her courage and determination, and still insists on being as independent as ever. Her dogs, Jessie and Milly are protecting her and giving her constant happiness. She was pottering about in the garden last weekend and the garden looks beautiful as ever. Her appetite has improved since the increase in medication, and it's good to see her eating - her jeans are slipping off her!!
Continued thanks to the dog walkers, and all those who have been helping to keep the house in order, and Ashley and Debs for helping Bernie start to clear the garage, no mean feat I can tell you!!! Bernie tells me that he's sure his collection of wood, rivets and golf balls will come in handy one day!! I think if everyone that visits sneaks a couple of golf balls into their pockets then we should have cleared them by Christmas.
We will keep you posted - watch this space
Bernie & Sarah xx
Jo had her last assessment at the Churchill and was given the bad news, things have steady progressed especially her stability and use of her right hand, which is now practically disfunctional.
They have upped her medication in the hope of improving her speech, however, the difference is insignificant. The MacMillan nurses come in regularly and are excellent. We have found their service valuable, and we are very grateful for their help.
Jo has got a respite week at the Katharine House Hospice beginning Friday 26th June to Friday 3rd July, and plans are being made for Bernie to go with her. Both Bernie and Jo would love to see you whilst they are at Katharine House, but it might be an idea to ring the hospice to check visiting times and whether it's OK.
This is Sarah - the MacMillan Nurse advises that she feels it is better that Jo has only up to 3 visitors a day, as she is getting very tired. The effort she has to put into speaking is really exhausting, so please could you ring Bernie first if you are intending to visit, just to check that she's up to it. She is still really keen to see you all, but we just have to be a bit careful. We have a laugh trying to understand each other, and a few good games of charades have come out of it!!!
She's a brave woman and I admire her so much for her courage and determination, and still insists on being as independent as ever. Her dogs, Jessie and Milly are protecting her and giving her constant happiness. She was pottering about in the garden last weekend and the garden looks beautiful as ever. Her appetite has improved since the increase in medication, and it's good to see her eating - her jeans are slipping off her!!
Continued thanks to the dog walkers, and all those who have been helping to keep the house in order, and Ashley and Debs for helping Bernie start to clear the garage, no mean feat I can tell you!!! Bernie tells me that he's sure his collection of wood, rivets and golf balls will come in handy one day!! I think if everyone that visits sneaks a couple of golf balls into their pockets then we should have cleared them by Christmas.
We will keep you posted - watch this space
Bernie & Sarah xx
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