It has been some time since I've been on board but life has been a real roller coaster ride. I lost my hubby on Thanksgiving. It seemed to happen so suddenly- yet after 8 years you'd think that I would be ready. The monday before Thanksgiving, I visited him and he refused to eat. This was not new. That evening I got a call that he had aspirated and hospice went in. THe nurse called me and told me that she was making a request that hospice would now be there 24/7 to watch my hubby. She told me to get a good night of sleep- which I tried to do. Early Tues., I went to the nursing home and a few hours later, the chaplain told me if I had family to call that I should do it. I was so taken back. At 2:10 am on 11/26, he finally died and was at peace. It is so bittersweet. On one hand I was silently begging the good Lord to help him pass, yet on the other hand I wanted to give him one more hug. I have been very busy (out of state company) but since the memorial on Dec 3, I find that if I get some quiet time, I tend to think and think and that starts the tears. I talk myself out of this because I know how long he suffered and how badly he needed to be relieved of his pain. Hospice was fabulous. I highly recommend it to any of you. They were on board for about a month which gave me the chance to get to know them and them me. I am taking a breath and not expecting to do much stressing over this holiday season. It was my honor and priviledge to care for my dh. I loved him so and now I can cherish the man I was married to instead of the "person" he became. Thanksto all of you who helped me through the darkest and most dofficult time in our lives. You are all very special people. I wish you all well and hope for a better New Year.
Kathryn, I'm so sorry for your loss. I could feel your pain just reading your post. We're never quite ready to give them up no matter what the circumstances. I've always said I hope something else takes my DH before he reaches the end stages of this terrible disease but when he had a heart attack back in March, I thought No Lord, please no not yet.
Dear Kathryn: I m so sorry for your loss. I know how it feels, having been there myself, and like you, I really thought he'd rally once more, but I have always been grateful that he finally had his peace and I had mine. We deserved more on the one hand, but deserved peace on the other. Please feel our cyber-presence with you, hold on to us and take care. Betty Weiss
My heart was breaking for you as I read your post. I have not lost my dh yet but he has progressed so fast. I am glad that you are able to cherish him as the partner you married and not the disease that overwhelmed him. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry. Your dear husband died ten days after my Foster died..and now, it's approaching the hour that Lois has to bid farewell to her dear Paul...13 days after your husband's death. I understand exactly how you are feeling, and I believe we are all going to have to muster all of our strength to get through the next few weeks. My heart goes out to you. Love, Nancy B*
Peace and comfort to those of you who have lost or are in the stage of imminency (sp? a word?). I'm sorry for your losses, but appreciate your helping others of us make the journey.
Dear kathryn, I am with you in prayers for strength to face the coming months. Just remember that you are not alone, we are all with you as you proceed on this leg of your journey. Please stay in contact with us. Love you Phyllis
Kathryn, God be with you during this sad and difficult time. Please find comfort in the knowledge of the wonderful and thoughtful care you gave your DH and that he has now found peace. hugs, Susan
Kathryn, my condolences on the loss of your husband. May you find the good memories from before Alzheimer's soon, and know that I my thoughts and prayers are with you during the months ahead. Thank you for letting us know. Please return when you feel up to it, and let us know how you are doing. ((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))
Kathryn, deepest condolences on your loss of DH. please take some time for yourself to replenish and start living again when the time is right. hugs, divvi
Kathryn, someone once told me (at a time I seemed to be often in tears) that tears were a gift from God to help heal the heart and that I was lucky to have them. I found this to be true for me. Sending you much love.
Kathryn, I am so sorry for your loss, the tears will get less and less, you will remember the good times with him, tears are good, I still cry, not all the time anymore but they do come when least expected, God bless you. Gail
Kathryn, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself now. If you need to cry, you go right ahead and cry. You have earned the right to do that.
Kathryn, sincere sympathy on the passing of your husband. I know your loss seems overwhelming now. The pain is acute and seems as if it will be never-ending, but there will be a time when you start to feel better. God bless.
Kathryn, so sorry for the loss that you had. But so glad the tears are flowing. They are a sign that we survived this horrible disease with our feelings still intact. With so much being stripped from us we will still survive with the love and help from loved ones. God Bless and Keep you in HIs loving hands.
Kathryn, I am sorry for your loss and the new grief you are going through. My prayers are with you. One by one the journey ends and the new grieving begins. Please know you are remembered.
Kathryn, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. I loved that you said it was an honor and priviledge to care for him. So often we are so worn down, emotionally and physically, that we miss the gift that it was to know, love and care for our best friend. May the following time, be one of many memories, some may bring tears, but may they also bring a smile. I was once told that when windchimes ring it is our loved ones reminding us they are watching over us. May you hear the beautiful sound of windchimes, often. Arms around, Susan
Thank you for letting us know, Kathryn. I'm so sorry. Also didn't realize that Nancy B's DH had passed away. I admire you all for your courage and tenacity. Imohr,too. You have helped all of us so much. Wishing you and your families, a sense of peace now and rest.
Thank you one and all. I am so sorry to hear of your own loss Nancy b and for Lois and her very difficult time. The best thing about this web site is that we can still support one another so passionately without actually "seeing" one another. I hope that we can all find some joy during this holiday season.