An earth angel lived among us. On Monday September 14, 2020 she got her wings and now watches over all of us from heaven.
Jade Elizabeth Ann Seymour, born August 9, 1991.
Jade lived her 29 years with Cerebral Palsy. She was blind, non verbal, wheelchair bound and unable to care for herself in any way. All of this sounds very tragic and sad and many times over the years it made Jade’s life very difficult.
Jade lived her life completely innocent and pure. She was sin free. She never spoke a word of hatred, she never committed an angry act towards others, she never lied or intentionally hurt someone. She did like the sound of bells, Velcro straps being ripped open, crying babies, her hair brushed or her head rubbed, bumpy wheelchair walks, a ride in the van, music of all kinds, warm baths and her Dad’s voice. She didn’t like tin foil being ripped, large gatherings of people, echoing gymnasium sounds, drums, her hair being cut or having her fingernails trimmed.
Jade never saw the beautiful colours of a rainbow, tasted an icy cold fizzy cola, felt the hand of her true love in hers or danced out of sheer joy. She did bring joy and laughter to many, many people. Over the years Jade made friends and created bonds with many caregivers, teachers, educational assistants and fellow students and group home house mates. She taught all of us how to be better people. She surprised doctors and nurses with how strong she was. Jade had a hardy laugh and she shared it with others. Often she laughed at her own inside jokes which kept all of us wondering just what she was thinking. She was great at keeping secrets. She was a teacher. She taught us how to care for her, how to think outside of the box to create better ways for us to care for her. She made us learn medical facts, medical terms and how to advocate for her.
2020 will be remembered as the year that everything changed. Covid 19 did not kill Jade. Covid lockdown and Covid rules and regulations did. In March the group home Jade resided in went into lockdown. Jade’s daily routine of physical therapy, chest physio and her weekly massages were interrupted. We were not allowed to enter the home until August and even then we had to socially distance ourselves from her. The most vital things were kept from Jade. Many, many families have gone through this and are going through this. During Jade’s life we were able to fix, change or make things better for Jade. Covid tied our hands, made roadblocks and left us so frustrated. Sadly Jade paid the highest price for all of that. Wear a mask, get tested, socially distance yourself and be vigilant as there are many vulnerable people counting on us to do the right thing. When the vaccine is made available get it. Your actions will keep families from grieving the loss of their precious loved ones.
Will be sadly missed by Bill, Sue, A.J., Holly and Bella