After watching his mother’s decline at the cruel hands of dementia for 11 years, the time has come for Jake Heath to say goodbye.
His mum Jacquie was diagnosed with Pick’s disease in 2007 at the age of 48 having been misdiagnosed for two years.
The family’s tragic tale, which Jake has documented online, is about to enter a heartbreaking chapter after they were told Jacquie has a day to live.
Jacquie Heath, from Australia, was diagnosed with Pick’s disease in 2007
The family’s tragic tale, which Jake has documented online, is about to enter a heartbreaking chapter after they were told Jacquie has a day to live
Jacquie Heath was diagnosed with Pick’s disease in 2007 at the age of 48 having been misdiagnosed for two years
Last year, Jake confessed he hoped his mother would be allowed to die soon, when he shared photos of her deterioration online
Last year, Jake confessed he hoped his mother would be allowed to die soon, when he shared photos of her deterioration online.
The family have been praying for the end to come so their beloved Jacquie had to suffer no longer.
Now, that time has come.
Jake was putting together the finishing touches to a video update on the condition, and has shared his heartbreak upon finding out about his mum’s latest, and final, decline.
He said: ‘She’s stopped eating, not taking fluids, and is about to die. It might be 12 minutes, it might be 12 hours – I don’t know.
‘She’s in the hospital now. She’s comfortable. She looks like a wreck – but she has for years now.
‘This disease has been beyond exhausting.
‘A large part of me is glad that this time next week the journey from hell will be behind us.
‘The rest of me just wants to cry. I’m holding it in – barely.
Jake was putting together the finishing touches to a video update on the condition, and has shared his heartbreak upon finding out about his mum’s latest, and final, decline
‘Dad’s job is over. ‘A decade of being a carer in what should’ve been his highest earning years has taken its toll. I don’t know what he’ll do now,’ said Jake Heath
‘I’m currently sitting upstairs at my dad’s place drinking a beer.
‘I intend to drink many more.
‘Mum’s room is downstairs.
‘She’ll never come back
‘She’ll never sleep in her special bed or on her special chair again.
‘She’ll never hold the soft teddy bear I bought her years ago to keep her company.
‘She’ll never be spoon-fed by any of us ever again.
‘It seems odd that I’m going to miss the sick her, not just the old her before she was ill.
‘Dad’s job is over.
‘A decade of being a carer in what should’ve been his highest earning years has taken its toll. I don’t know what he’ll do now.
‘But my god, the strength and resolve of that man is incredible, and I’m extremely proud of him.
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‘Family are on their way, but they might not make it in time to say goodbye.
‘Even if they did, Jacquie would never know.
‘She’s been nothing but a shell for years. A complete waste of life.
‘Apparently it’s World FTD Awareness week, but who cares?
‘September is also Dementia Awareness Month (Yay #Dementia2016).
‘Pretty sure there’s a few other awareness hashtags going around as well.
‘But it all means nothing.
‘Hashtags won’t bring her back.
‘Awareness does nothing for those of us living through this.
‘I knew this day would come – we’ve been expecting it for years now.
‘But that has not made it easier at all.
‘There’s so much I could say about this disease and what it’s been like.
‘But I’m going to leave my final thoughts with the lyrics from the song ‘Wings for Marie, part II’ by Tool.
‘This little light of mine, a gift you passed on to me I’m gonna let it shine to guide you safely on your way.
‘Your way home.’
‘I’m going to miss you, mum. I love you.’