She has even been accepting of her own death. She understood that her life was nearing its end and knew that to continue demanded too much of her - and of Paul. She worried about the burden she placed on him these last five years. During this time one of the decisions Irene did not agree with was going into respite care so that Paul might take a brake from his caring duties. That is unlike her gentle, giving nature, so she must of felt very strongly about the situation. District nurses attended to Irene when Paul was at work and he wishes to thank them, and also to thank David who came to visit his aunt on occasions that Paul did manage to get a holiday and who continued to visit after Paul had returned. He also wishes to thank all the staff of Princes Court who made his mother's last days so comfortable and who supported her so well.