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Sunday 14 November 2010

Who would have thought it?

I'm going to visit Jean this afternoon. She'll have been in hospital about 14 weeks now and I can't believe it's the same person I visit now from all those weeks ago.

The day my dad left to go home to Vancouver we were told by a doctor there was nothing more they could do for her. Once she had stabilized they would send her down to High Dependency and there she would stay until the end. She was on a 'do not resucitate' order as they didn't think it would be fair on her only for that to be lifted weeks later then reinstated the next day. We (her friend Carol and I) have had 3 calls to say she'd taken a turn for the worse and we rushed to the hospital only to see her rally. She's had a burst bowel, 2 heart attacks, a stroke and umpteen infections. She's had us in fits of giggles with hallucinations from the drugs...she told me the flats outside her window were sh**e because they'd collapsed 3 times in one day!

Well today she's in a normal ward and I'm taking her some balloons, cupcakes and a birthday card because it's her 70th birthday on Tuesday...a day we didn't think we'd see. Until she took ill, Jean and I didn't have a relationship. We never got on for one reason or another and we only ever saw each other if my mom and dad were over visiting or she and I were coincidentally in Vancouver at the same time. When she first took ill I was obviously taking my dad to visit her...he thought he was over to say his goodbyes. When dad went home I continued to visit her for his sake and also because I felt sorry for her. She doesn't have a family of her own and she's always been a bit of a loner so has few friends.

But now I'm finding myself looking forward to seeing her and so happy to see her getting better. We have a laugh and we're getting to know each other. She has a long long way to go ... possibly another 6 months in hospital and even then she'll have to move into sheltered housing...but she continues to surprise everyone with her fight for life and Carol and I swear if she was a cat she'd have very few lives left!

When I was thinking of her card I knew I wanted to use one of my Inky Antics stamps. I love these images and I thought this one was perfect for Jean....


I'm really happy with the way this has turned out though the picture doesn't do it justice. IRL the colours are gorgeous.  


I just love this lady though I can't imagine Jean ever wearing an outfit like this lol.



Her hat was just begging to sparkle :-D



I used some of the 'ribbon' I got at Zoe Bunny's recently and cut a flower (yes Tams, Hayley & Lisa another flower lol) using my Nesties and felt. I added a button and a couple of Swarovski crystals to the centre.

I hope Jean likes her card and her birthday bits and pieces.

Thanks for stopping by.

Catch ya later x

12 comments:

Lyndi said...

Love this card! That image is flabby. I'm sure Jean will love it too. Great that she's on the road to recovery too!

Funny how pictures never show up the colours as vibrantly as the really look ey. My pics are the same - probably more to do with me than my camera tho, will have to dig out my book on digital photography to see where I'm going wrong :o/

Lxx

pinky said...

Thats really nice to hear Kerry, this relationship will probably prove to be a most special one of all. I am sure she will have a huge smile for the lovely card you have made her. She sounds like a miracle lady!
Pinky

Lisa Jane said...

I am so pleased for Jean that she has got this far .. she is definitely a fighter ! Hope she has a very Happy birtdhay and i know she will love this card ... its got a flower on it lol..
I love that image.. and i know a lady .. and she's called Jean too - who does dress like that lol!!
She is a right little raver !
LOve that felt flower ... you are definitley being converted lol

Have a great day ..
Lisa ;)

Whimsey said...

SERIOUSLY - who would have thunk it??? Amazing; so excited for Jean...and for you; glad you've been able to overcome and establish a great relationship, that has to feel good!

LOVE the card; that sparkle and those colors are just flabby!!!

Lindsey said...

Fabbylicious card Kerry, love the image with her sparkly hat!
Linds x

Pami said...

Something good is coming out of something sad, great that you are developing your relationship and she sounds like a real strong lady! Love the card, and it seems you can wear glitter eye shadow at any age!! Pami x

Sue U said...

What a great story, wishing Jean a very happy birthday and all the very best for her continued recovery. Thinking of you all still {hugs}

Lovely card as ever - great image, I can think of quite a few who that image would be perfect for!! Sue xx

Hayley @ funkyfarmscrapbookbarn.co.uk said...

Amazing, what a very tough cookie Jean is!!! It's amazing how some people are just fighters - what an amazing lady! It's so lovley to hear that you've formed a better relationship with her too, I always feel so sorry for family/friends who have no close family of their own and it's lovely that you kept seeing her. I'm sure she was very very touched that you took her balloons, a card and cupcakes for her birthday.
Love the card, such a funny image!
xx

Amanda R said...

Love this image Kerry, wish we could see the coloring better but even still it looks great. Will keep your aunt in my prayers, maybe a blessing in disguise since you are becoming closer huh?

Anita said...

Love your card. That image is too hilarious and you've colored her up perfectly. Love that felt flower too, it's so pretty. I'm glad your aunt is doing so much better.

Highland Handmade said...

Wow fantastic news about Jean, love your card, although I am slightly concerned about your health as you are using flowers eek! xx

Suzy Q said...

how well is Jean doing!! Brilliant news on her health....must be all your upbeat visists that have helped her recovery!!
Jeanies card is stunning as ever! Check out that bow!!-now THAT is a bow!! lol xx