A remarkable person has left us. Wendy Mitchell was an inspiration, amazing us, from her first book right up to her last blog, with her courage, independence and determination. With her fierce independence she was also kind and thoughtful, doing all that she could to help others. She brought surprising insights into the reality of dementia, giving great benefit to those living with it or caring, as well as helping to change attitudes more widely. We feel great sympathy for her family and friends.
Those who knew her well have written beautiful and moving tributes.
She was determined not to be defeated by dementia and felt that by dying as she did, she had succeeded. She had affirmed her choice. ‘It’s at the centre of everything we do as humans every day’ (from her final book, One Last Thing). We respect her choice.
And yet…
We are sad to be without her. We miss her strong and kind presence. We can imagine, because she shared it, her frustration at this horrible disease, how she must have felt often both angry and helpless. What do we do in that situation? Helpless resignation? Strong defiance? Or could we – I write this with great hesitation and respect – could we do as many have done, and trust our lives into the care of a heavenly Father who knows, who cares and who wills the best for us?
I hope I would have the courage to go on believing that.