Jean Burton is my second cousin on my dad's side. Yesterday she turned 75 in Romford, UK. When she was 7, she immigrated to Canada. They returned to the UK after six months as her mom was so home sick. They always regretted not staying. I didn't reconnect with Jean for over 50 years. We each had a family and were busy. She came over for a visit with her late husband 20 years ago. We became good friends. She came to Canada and stayed with me and I visited her in Britain many times. She was my "date" at Buckingham Palace. If you don't know the story, it's the very first post on this blog, June 2017.
Four years ago when we went on a cruise together, I noticed a huge difference in her demeanor. She was a nurse in the local hospital. She was always kind and considerate. When you see someone's personality change, you know there is something wrong. She was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). It is a horrible disease and there is no cure. I can't phone her anymore as she can't talk. Her mind is 100%.
Here is a picture with her only child, Darren, who is taking good care of his mom. For her birthdays he would take her to a performance in the West End. I don't remember when this picture was taken but it's good to see her looking well. She's not doing well at all right now. Happy Birthday, Jean.
