By Shirley Killick
15 March 2005
In 2002 we sold our house in the UK and moved to France to live to enjoy our retirement. We then had 3 grown-up children with 9 grandchildren to whom we are very close and fortunately we are able to see them all quite frequently, on their visits here or us visiting them in the UK.
In June 2003, Sarah (our Grand-daughter) and Michael brought our first and only GREAT grandchild into the world. Her name is Ellie and she is now a beautiful little girl aged 21 months. Ellie developed as normal until about 6 months old when it was noticed that she was no longer kicking or bearing weight on her legs. Then as Ellie grew she no longer moved her legs and now she has very limited movement in her forearms and hands. At 16 months, after many hospital visits, tests etc Ellie was diagnosed with SMA Type II.
On the day I heard the prognosis, I was with Ellie's family and the devastation in their faces could hardly be taken in. However, when I saw Ellie laying sound asleep, looking so calm and peaceful and so beautiful I was determined along with her parents and grandparents to give this precious little girl all the love, care and attention that she so deserves.
I went through days/weeks of agonising and many many tears were shed because of the distance between us. I was so regretting and feeling guilty about our move to France and being that far away not being able to put my arms round Ellie for a cuddle and to help Ellie's parents in any way I could. Well, fortunately, I am now gradually overcoming this feeling as Ellie is a frequent visitor to us so we have got to know her very well and she recognises us instantly. We have been blessed with an extra special Great Grand-daughter who has and will continue to bring great joy to our lives.
We have been earnestly raising funds to help Ellie and her parents. We make marmalade, jams and chutneys which we sell to our friends here. We recently held a 'bring and buy' coffee morning, in aid of Ellie which was a huge success, everybody has been so kind on hearing of Ellie's plight. This has also helped in overcoming the guilt feeling of not being near to Ellie.
Ellie rewards us in every way imaginable and is a sheer delight with her continuous chattering, demanding little ways and infectious laugh, we feel so lucky to have her as part of our lives.
Shirley Killick
Ellie's Great Grandmother | 
