Monday 12th September 2016 I woke up to the sad news that you were no longer with us and you had lost your fight to cancer. So many memories flooded back for me and I thought of all the amazing things you did for me and my family. I saw you as a GP before I became pregnant and we've stayed in contact ever since. I was suffering so badly in December 2014 with post-natal depression and anxiety and out of the blue you messaged me sensing there was something not quite right. In January I attempted to go on a family holiday with my then, 4 month old son to Wales. I shouldn't of really gone but you helped me all week with your telephone calls and messages, (even at 6am in the morning). I swear to this day I wouldn't have seen that holiday through or maybe even survived if it hadn't have been for you. Your compassion, inspiration, determination and positivity I will never forget. The way you called my thinking 'stinkin thinkin', the advice you gave me to watch 'A Beautiful Mind', the way you always used capital letters to empathise what you were trying to say to me, (and I always thought you were telling me off), the way you got me to slow my breathing down via a message, the ideas of thought diaries, a daily gratitude journal and listening to Pharrell's 'Happy' song. I could go on dear Nkem... I'm looking back at the messages now crying and feeling so grateful that you came into my life. You are and always will be a wonderful woman Nkem and the sky has another angel. I look to the sky and find the brightest star shining... I believe that star is you looking down on us saying 'you can do this, believe in yourself girl'. I just found this bit of the message:-
Joanne McClaren: 'Are you my guardian angel?'
Nkem Ezeilo: 'Feeling emotional is ok. Just be in control about it is all. Yes I am. Nobody comes into my life 'by coincidence'. You were meant to cross my path in MK.'
All my love and eternal gratitude.
Rest in Peace Angel
Jo xxx
William sends his love and thanks you for saving his mummy. xxx