Our family - ten years on (written in 2009)
It's now been 10 years since we found out that Joanna had Type 1 SMA, and it will be 10 years since she died in July. Many people, especially those who have never lost a child, say that it will get easier; we know that they are saying what they believe and to try and be kind, or because they feel that they have to say something. But I would disagree - it doesn't get easier. I actually wouldn't want it to, but you do your best to somehow learn to live and cope with what has happened.
Joanna was amazing with her always happy, smiling face and her big blue eyes spoke a million words, and we have many happy memories of our time with her. She will always be with us.
We were lucky enough to already have Rhianna, Joanna's older sister who is now 13. Rhianna still remembers her little sister, and since Joanna we have been lucky enough to have Eddie who is 9 and Jessica who is 6. They will never replace Joanna and they are all special of course, and they have made life after Joanna a little easier. Eddie and Jessica both know all about their big sister Joanna.
Joanna was amazing with her always happy, smiling face and her big blue eyes spoke a million words, and we have many happy memories of our time with her. She will always be with us.
We were lucky enough to already have Rhianna, Joanna's older sister who is now 13. Rhianna still remembers her little sister, and since Joanna we have been lucky enough to have Eddie who is 9 and Jessica who is 6. They will never replace Joanna and they are all special of course, and they have made life after Joanna a little easier. Eddie and Jessica both know all about their big sister Joanna.
