On the 29th March at 10.29am 1990 I gave birth to the most beautiful perfectly imperfect baby boy and I rejoiced. Yesterday at 11.45am 10th December 2022, my beautiful son passed away. His final battle with illness and then secondary cancer was just too much for his tired body. He was 32 years of age.I brought my son in to this world and witnessed his first sweet breath, and I have spent every single day of his 32 years with him. Yesterday he made one last herculean effort to look straight into my eyes as he took his final breath. We were listening to his favourite Pink Floyd song and I know he could hear it. His breathing eased and he became calm. I carried my son for the full circle of his life and am profoundly grateful for that realisation and opportunity to share something so precious with him.
I am truly lost, my heart is shattered into a million pieces for the beautiful son I had to let go of. I weep sadly for the life he will never get to live. I rejoice at the 32 years of a life so well lived, so packed full of challenges and successes, massive highs, terrible lows, enormous humour in the face of adversity, and I take solace in knowing that there will never ever be another person on the planet like him.
He has touched so many hearts and minds in his short life, he has changed perceptions about disability boundaries, he has educated and he has reached down and held hands to raise others who needed his assistance to get where he had climbed.
I am the most proud, most heartbroken warrior mama in the world but I know my baby is no longer suffering and for that I am profoundly grateful.
My boy and his best friend in happier healthier times.
Gemma - Journey of Self discovery 
Dear Gemma, I’m sending you my deepest condolences on the death of your son, whose legacy, as you write, will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.
I will be always here for you🙏
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Tears stream down my face as I write this, Gemma… there are just no words to express how very sorry I am that your son’s story ended in this way. This is a beautiful photo and I am grateful that you shared it with us. May he rest in peace now, his health struggles behind him. You ARE a warrior mama and I am sending love and healing thoughts your way, my beautiful friend ❤
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An absolutely beautiful, heart breaking tribute to your son and his beautiful soul. My eyes are so filled with tears that I can barely. Sending you a loving, heartfelt hug across the miles. You were so strong and amazing for him ❤️
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My heart is broken for you. I cannot begin to imagine the loss you are feeling. From following you here I have seen the love you and your son have shared. I wish I had the words to ease your pain. Sending my thoughts and prayers and hope that I’m time his memories will make you smile until you both see each other again.
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Dearest Gemma, my sympathies and condolences. Having lost both my sister and mother to cancer, I can’t help but feel great sadness for your loss.
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Dear Gemma, this is the worst thing that can happen to a mother or father.
I am so very sorry.
Your beautiful son is at peace now and does not need to fight anymore.
My heart is with you.
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Hugs. Call me any time you need to.
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Dear Gemma, He fought so hard; it breaks my heart that you’ve lost your son. The picture of him is beautiful; thank you for sharing.
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