Day 923 in the Nanny June Care Home

The One Without The Zombie Cruiseship

People who have followed Nanny June’s Dementia Diary since Day 1 might remember One To Watch Renee. Renee was already well into her care home journey when Nanny June arrived and they struck up a happy (if haphazard) friendship. I quickly developed a real soft spot for this diminutive Londoner with a sparky personality and a weakness for chocolate. At Easter the Mini Morries and I took Renee an Easter Egg - I was aware she had already deteriorated quite a lot in the last few months and was down to seconds rather than minutes of present conversation. I’ve only seen Renee once or twice since then and today I noticed her room was clear and found out she had passed away.

Anyway, two Mini Morries had come along with me today, armed with some Gingerbread Men to sustain us and bring some biscuit related comfort.

When we got there Nanny June was in one of the (many) lounges and was at a gig! A bit of live music was going down a treat, with a popular medley of war time classics sung by some one who was, unfortunately, excellent. Instead of feeling like I was trapped on a zombie cruise ship on Entertainment Night, I was subject to a touching journey of people being united by music.

We didn’t interrupt Nanny June, just watched her from the doorway while she enjoyed singing along to the music.

One of the songs on the set list was a favourite of Nanny June’s which she sang to me growing up when I was sad or tired... both emotions I can identify with on industrial levels at the moment. I sing the same song to the Mini Morries too. So there we all were, Nanny June singing our song to no one, even though I was right there. Me singing it back to her and to my girls.

The Mini Morries were so concerned they were full of “Mummy why are you crying? Are they happy tears or sad tears? Mummy?” Then on finding out they were sad tears, wrapped their little arms around me and started patting me. However, there is only so long it is acceptable to emotionally traumatise yourself and your children so we left as tears ran down my face and the hits of yesteryear followed me through the key code doors.

And here’s to you Renee. I look forward to meeting you on the other side.