Nana’s dementia erased most memories — but their final hug showed she never forgot her granddaughter

"They say to never be the first to let go when a child hugs you," and Emily's (@emilybrookewest on Instagram) grandma stood by it until the very end of her existence. On July 2, 2025, a night after her demise, Emily shared an emotional video of her "nana" hugging her daughter, Brooklyn. Shining through like a beacon of life and hope, Emily's "favorite" moment is now stamped on her heart.

"My nana went to be with Jesus last night, and I can’t stop watching my favorite video of her with Brooklyn," Emily confessed, sharing footage of the poignant hug. Nana kept caressing Brooklyn's back, and with her closed eyes, she soaked in the love-filled, bone-crushing embrace, perhaps knowing that it could be one of the last times they would ever connect heart-to-heart. Notably, Emily's grandma had dementia, which made her struggle to remember most things and even lose the ability to speak. "But she always knew who Brooklyn was. Even though she couldn’t communicate, Brooklyn always knew what she was trying to say," she said. "They had a special bond, and I’m so glad my nana got to meet my children."

Emily went on to express that she was happy her grandma was free from illness and could finally meet all five children she lost during pregnancy and childbirth. "She is pain-free and no longer trapped in her own body. We sure do miss her, though," Emily wrote. As people age, strong relationships, particularly with kids, tend to keep them happy, active, and more satisfied. In fact, as per the National Library of Medicine, a study in China found that when the frequency of meeting children decreases, older people are exposed to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The report claims this usually happens due to psycho-social problems increasing loneliness, which further leads to a disruption in interpersonal well-being.

Emily's tribute to Nana received an overwhelming response on the internet, with people sending in their heartfelt condolences to the family. For instance, a user, @gracecmccarthy, commented, "Oh my gosh, what a beautiful video! So sorry for your loss. I am sending so many prayers to you and your family during this difficult time! Your grandmother is now with Jesus, and she is an eternal being of light and love." Overnight, Nana turned into a fragment of everyone's grandparents, reminding them of the unconditional affection they now sorely miss.

On the other hand, @ghilardinickileger shared, "The beautiful thing about grandparents is they NEVER let go first... they have learned this through the process of raising their own children, how fast these moments go. I'm deeply sorry for your loss!" Similarly, @crafty_kitsel said, "Oh! I am so sorry! This is the sweetest video, the one that needs to be cherished. I am praying that you feel God’s perfect peace and comfort." Echoing the sentiments, @cozyprairiebaby wrote, "So sorry for your loss! What a beautiful memory you captured! I am praying for God’s love & hope that the community surrounds you during this heartbreak!"

You can follow Emily (@emilybrookewest) on Instagram for more lifestyle content.