Saying Goodbye to Isaac

 I’ve never felt more tired than I do this morning. Yesterday my grandson Isaac was buried. He was only 23 but from his birth, he seemed to be on borrowed time. Even so, nothing prepares you for such a brutally quick end. He had no immune system and in those 23 years, his health was always at risk. He was incredibly brave and always seemed strong enough to survive. We had got used to him beating the odds but Covid proved too much and he succumbed within a week. His mum, dad, and sister were with him in those final days, bringing comfort, reassurance but most of all love, while the doctors and nurses made him comfortable.

Something in the back of my brain is telling me that this could not have happened. That it’s all a mistake and I will see him again. I’m told that this is a common experience for many bereaved people but that is no consolation. So I need to learn from my grandson and be brave, to see all the things he achieved and celebrate the precious 23 years we had with him. So what did he get up to?

In twenty-three years.

1.       Slept in an incubator

2.       Had a shunt placed in his head

3.       Had two bone marrow transplants

4.       Had a 12-hour operation to straighten his back

5.       Survived meningitis but that left him deaf.

6.       Had a cochlea implant.

7.       Had a book written about how he survived the first five years of his life.

8.       Went to Disney Land Florida and Paris.

9.       Performed in the Scout’s gang show

10.   Won a 5 aside football tournament with the Cubs without ever touching the ball.

11.   Went camping, abseiling, and canoeing with the scouts.

12.   Was given the Cornwall Badge, the highest Scout award for bravery.

13.   Was invited to the St. George’s Day parade and service at Windsor Castle where he met Prince Charles.

14.   Enjoyed holidays abroad and in this country. Insurance for Isaac cost almost as much as the holidays.

15.   Went to Old Trafford to watch Man U and had a letter from Alex Ferguson.

16.   Sang at the Royal Northern College of Music

17.   Inspired a fundraising Concert by the Featherstone Male Voice Choir. For the MPS Society.

18.   Went to school and college until he was 19.

19.   Loved life.

What this list doesn’t show is Isaac’s ability to make friends. Everyone knew and loved him. He was charming and genuinely interested in people. You had to like him because his honest and open demeanour was disarming. When we left for the crematorium we were seen off by a group of scouts and friends and as we slowly drove down the street they followed until we were out of sight. 80 people were allowed into the crematoria chapel but there were many more outside and at the graveside. This young man touched the hearts of so many people and leaves a gaping hole in our lives. He was allowed a full and active life because his mum, dad, and sister encouraged him to be outgoing and challenge the world around him. Even though he had his share of problems, to them he was just Isaac, son, and brother. They cared for him but more importantly, they accepted him and gave him all the love they had. His family and friends gave him the best send off and I will remember this service for the mixture of dignity and despair, the humour enjoyed with everyone in the room, and the love that emanated from every corner. 

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