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Over the weekend, darlings, Monsieur and I did the good deed of visiting his centenarian friend, Bea, to see how she was doing. We were surprised to be met by another caregiver, a woman named Cecilia, who was very nice, though not her usual one. For the two years I have known my beloved, and have been visiting Bea with him, in Rego Park, Queens, the weekend caregiver has always been this wonderful woman, named Jean.
Cecilia had no idea where Jean was. But much to our sadness, we learned last night that Jean had passed away that morning. Two months ago, she was at Bea's 100th birthday party, lavishing all the care and attention, not to mention styling, she always had on Bea, making her a beacon of glamour among the aged. Jean's good nature, sense of humor, and, most of all compassion, were comforting to the both of us, who knew Bea was getting the best of care from someone who not only knew their job, but seemed genuinely fond of Bea. As she seemed of Jean, and we, too.
At Bea's party, we thought Jean was fine, her usual self. When we were notified last night, it was discovered that she was in stage four of lung cancer--and had never been a smoker! Jean also leaves behind a grown daughter, who, I am told is disabled in some way. Prayers go out for her, as well.
When we visited Sunday, Bea seemed tired, and out of it, though she did perk up a little when I performed "Second Hand Rose" for her. But, fragile though she might be, at 100, Bea, I am certain, sensed something was off about her routine, which included Jean being there on the weekends.
The news of her passing saddens me. She was more than a caregiver, she was someone who actually cared. I enjoyed seeing Jean as much as Bea. I got to think of them as a team.
Jean will live on in our memories, and I know she will get the peaceful rest to which she is entitled. I feel also for Bea, 100 years young, and still seeming to outlive those around her.
You are never forgotten, Jean! Rest In Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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