I stitched my square in memory of my wonderful brother-in-law, Jeremy Lee. Jeremy died of metastatic liver cancer in December 1999, at the age of 36, just 8 weeks after a shock diagnosis.

He had been losing weight for a few months, and had some unexplained abdominal and back pain, but it wasn't until he became jaundiced that serious investigations were carried out. In fact, he was scheduled to attend hospital for a diagnostic endoscopy the day after he was actually admitted for emergency assessment of his condition. After preliminary tests, a liver biopsy delivered the bolt from the blue, and he was given a prognosis of 4 weeks.

Jeremy had a wife, Cilla, and 2 children - Cian, then aged 4 and Amy, then 2. Jeremy had the option of hospice care, but his wife and parents chose to nurse him at home, as he was a very private person. However, as a former hospice nurse myself, I am well aware how valuable these places are - especially for those who need specialist care 24 hrs a day and whose families are unable to cope, or just need a helping hand. It may seem a strange thing to say, but I loved every minute of my time as a hospice nurse, and I'm sure those hospice nurses who read this will understand. It is a tremendous priviledge to nurse people at this most precious time of their lives, and I carry some very special memories with me always as a result of that time.

I miss Jeremy very much, and know I always will, but I also know that he is with the Lord, and I will see him again when my time comes. I have thought of him often while stitching this square, and imagined his fiendish enjoyment of my frustration with the dratted speciality thread!

This square is for you, Jem - love you lots xxx

Laura
Scotland