When I heard our friend had breathed her last breath, the first words that came to my mind were, “She was brave.” I have never before described one of my companions experiencing dementia as “brave,” though all of them have been.
But this friend, she was brave.
We had the privilege of spending time with her in a dementia-supportive way for a few years. We had the privilege of supporting her family as well.
During our time with her, it was obvious that she was bright and intelligent yet unassuming. She was serious about loving her life and her family but regularly used her quick wit to bring life and laughter to the room.
She was so blessed to be cared for and loved by her husband and her children. It was our honor to be just a part of helping her experience of the world continue to be bright and happy despite her changing ability to bring beauty and happiness for herself.
But brave. She was brave. I observed that her soul felt ready to leave this life well before she did. But I watched her watch her husband, and I believe she hung on until she felt like he was more ready. One is never ready to face the space that opens where your beloved spouse once was; our friend knew this, and it seems she hung on to give him just a bit more time to be a bit more ready.
She was a good woman and a brave woman. It was our honor to know her.
