We took Kip home last Friday, 2nd July. A specially made up bed in the living room and a space where we could gather together in love and in peace to be with him.
Every day of the last week has been filled with snuggles through his long sleeps, stories and his favourite programmes, disrupted sleep, visits from friends and family to share five years of marvellous memories.
We listened to favourite songs and helped Kip to dance and keep the beat and, on at least one occassion, he was bobbing his head along to Shania Twain.
Kip wasn’t able to talk. We know he could understand every word, though he could only communicate with a simple gesture. With a little practice, we were able to communicate and understand his choices quite well.
Tuesday and Wednesday nights were very difficult – at the start of each we thought he wouldn’t see the end of either – but come Thursday morning he was awake and in my arms in the garden.
We made a sling using a bedsheet, which gave me two hands free to interact with him, hold his hand, stroke his hair, itch his back and still manage sips of my tea.
I carried him in the garden and we pretended to be on the rope swing – I always used to chase him and threaten to tickle his tummy, and he always kept just out of reach.
Millie cuddled him, gave him kisses, said how much she loved him.
Later on we walked down to the park, to a little triangluar area Kip used to ride around on his balance bike, so proud of his top speed.
In the afternoon we had 20 minutes of his favourite Paw Patrol, until he let us know he wanted to be in our arms again in the garden.
We sang his favourite lullabies.
We told him we loved him, that his sister loved him, that he was surrounded by people who loved him, and soon he wouldn’t be poorly anymore.
And we told him we knew how much he loved everyone, how beautifully he showed that love, and how desperately proud we are of him.
And, as he looked at the sky, the trees, his mother and I, he peacefully died.
Our beautiful boy; with us only 5 years, 2 months, 5 and a half days.
In our hearts, our minds, our lives forever.
#Teamkip 
Tears well up in my eyes as I read this, and the lump in my throat comes back. Can’t even describe the pain. How much more for you. You bore the weight of this. We stand beside you in grief. He is in our hearts forever. What a little joy-bringer.
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My heart is truly with you all.
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Lots of love and strength to you all x
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This is utterly heart breaking. Thank you for sharing this intimate moment.
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My heart is breaking for you reading this. But what a beautiful thing you did for your boy. Sending you and your family much love, in a time of unimaginable pain.
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RIP Little Kip, ferociously loved by all around you. Deepest sympathies to you all, may your wonderful memories of Kip bring you great comfort in your sorrow. With love & prayers x
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This is devastating news. Kip brought strength and joy to thousands of people within the Wittertainment community and obviously to his close friends and family.
After hearing the first podcast of Kip I was so affected by it I recorded the clip and shared it on my socials. I wanted to share the strength, bravery and happiness that Kip had as an inspiration for others.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us if I go anywhere near that part of the inner ring road I always think of Kip and #smellypantswee
Love to the family.
R. I. P Kip
Xxx
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This is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I am so sorry that your family has had to go through this, there are really no words. It doesn’t really feel right to say that I’m glad/happy/relieved/etc that he had such a peaceful passing, in the place he wanted to be, but… I think you probably know what I mean. My thoughts are with you all.
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This was such devastating news. A hugely brave family. I will always treasure my “smelly pants wee” tote
bag. Hearing him shout that out on Mark & Simon’s show was so funny and joyful. Thoughts, prayers and condolences to everyone touched by Kip’s passing.x
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Love to you all, so sad. Deepest condolences
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Sending you loving kindness at this extraordinarily difficult time. I loved hearing Kip on Kermode and Mayo. What an amazing being indeed, I wish you all the love and support in the world right now. Bless you both x
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My deepest condolences to you and the whole family. It was such a privilege to hear of Kip here in New Zealand via the Mayo and Kermode radio show. I am so very grateful to him for the smiles and laughter he gave to me and countless others, and equally grateful to you for sharing his story with us all in such a beautiful way. Birdsong and stinky poo. Love to you all. xxx
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