Kathryn was born on October 25th 1951 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. She loved all people and truly believed everybody had good in them. Kathryn earned degrees in Business, English and Law. She practiced law under the appellate court of Florida, Private practice and accepted a position as a General Master with the city of Jacksonville and eventually became a Magistrate with the State of Florida. Kathryn retired due to illness in 2006 and was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease in September of 2008. Alzheimer’s disease first took away her individuality and self awareness and then on April 25th 2013 at 12:30pm it took her life.
Kathryn cared about and loved everybody she knew. I was lucky enough to meet Kathryn on June 25th 1999. Later that year I took her to England and asked her to marry me and she said yes. We were married on November 11th of 2000. We picked this date because it was veteran’s day and we would be off and be able to spend it together every year. During the time we had together before she became sick, 5 years, we traveled to England, China, Austria and France. Together we walked streets of London, stood on the Great wall of China, Visited palaces in Vienna, stood at the top of the Eiffel Tower and looking at old Paris and went to the louvre where we saw the Mona Lisa and other great works of art.
Jim, what a loving tribute to you both, you lost her much too soon. But now her suffering has ended and she is at peace. You my dear friend, I fear have some of your hardest days ahead. But you have been a loving, devoted spouse and caregiver and everything you did for Kathryn demonstrated your love. You should be very proud that you met the AD devil head on and although he is always victorious you gave him a damn good run for his money.
My love, thoughts and prayers are with you both. Thanks you for sharing your story and journey with Kathryn...you have shown us all the very best side of caring. Much love.
What a wonderful life you shared! I am so sorry that it was stolen from you so soon. I feel as if I know her from all your posts. Thank-you for loving her desperately until the end. You are a role model foe the rest of us!
Jim, I've always maintained that while Alzheimers will always take the loved one afflicted with it, the Caregiver can win. You did. By keeping Kathryn pain free you deprived Alz.The pure and vibrant love you wrapped her in was an impervious blanket around her--she was not alone. Kathryn is now free of Alz' clutches and whole, safely in Heaven. Your biggest job is done, but there is one more...Grieve your loss and make a new life honoring all the love and joy you shared. No one could have done it better. Peace be with you.
Jim, I have been following your comments for a while. You should have no regrets about your care of your lovely wife. What a wonderful tribute you wrote about her. You will always remember the good times you shared together and she certainly had a fulfilling life with you. Love and prayers.
Jim...may you have comfort knowing that Kathryn is now in the arms of the Angels and she is free of pain. Also, your life sounds wonderful and what great memories you have. You are in our thoughts today more then ever and may you have some rest and peace. God bless..
Jim I, too, have read all your posts. Your words always speak of such a deep love and devotion . Your final words for her Tell a beautiful love story cut far too short by the ravages of AD. I am so sorry you have lost her but her love f or you will live on in your heart. Wish there were words to lessen the pain. I can only extend my sympathy.
Jim, I haven't posted before but I have been reading all your posts. The best thing I can say to you is "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and give you peace."
Jim, your devotion to your precious Kathryn will serve as a continuing inspiration to those who must travel this dark road later on. My sincerest condolences, and my best wishes for your being able to deal with the future with the same class that you've demonstrated so far.
Jim, Your loss is profound, but not as profound as your love and your memories of Kathryn. What an outstanding person she must have been! Cherish the good times, and let the bad times fade away. We are grieving with you. May God grant you peace.
Jim my condolences,you've joined the club noone wants to belong to,someone sent this to me last year when I lost my LO seemed to make sense to me Miss Me-But Let Me Go! When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little-but not too long And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love we once shared, Miss Me-But Let Me Go
For this is a journey that we all must take And each must go alone. Its all a part of the Master's plan. A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely an sick of heart Go to the friends we know And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss Me- But Let Me Go
My sincere sympathy Jim. You made Kathryn's final days peaceful and pain free. Please remember that and also remember that Kathryn will now never have to suffer all the pain that was ahead of her. Wishing you Peace and strength Jim, for the difficult days ahead.
My deepest sympathy. You were a most attentive caregiver to your dw and now you will grieve as all do who have loved. As others have said she is free of the alz prison and whole again. Take care of yourself and as I've been told allow yourself to grieve in your own way and in your own time. You will remain in my prayers.
Thank you so much for sharing Kathryn's journey with all of us. You have been a wonderful caregiver and role model. I can only hope to do the same for my DH. Take care of yourself in the days to come.
I send you and all those who knew and loved your dear Kathryn my deepest sympathy. Though your life together was not as long as anyone would wish, you had more love and dedication one to the other than many who have many more years together. Your marriage was one made in heaven and you were a wonderful husband to a wonderful lady. Your tender care these past years are a marvel. There is no question that Kathryn knew how much you loved her and I know there is no question how much that love was returned. You have earned your star with the utmost dignity. I know in time you will find peace. That is what I wish most for you. All blessings and Peace...
Thank you for sharing your and Kathryn's loving journey. My heart breaks to think of how much you must be feeling at your terrible loss. But I'm so happy that you two found each other and had marvelous adventures. I don't know you except from your posts, but I'm thinking of you often and wishing you peace in the coming days.
Jim, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved Kathryn. Thinking of you, wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. ((hugs))
Jim, you have been a very compassionate husband to Kathryn from the beginning to the end. Now, trust in the knowledge that love is much stronger than death, and find some comfort from the bond that unites you and Kathryn forever. I will pray for you to stay strong during the difficult days ahead.
Dearest Jim, what a devoted partner you have been. Your love was evident in all that you wrote. Kathryn sounds like a remarkable woman, and how blessed you are to have found each other, and shared such wonderful times, even though they were cut short. So many are envious of that love you shared. Hold it and keep it close, and please care for yourself as you struggle through this pain and fog. It will clear, and the sun will shine again when it's time. My sincere condolences for your loss. God be with you.
Jim, you honored your dear wife with your faithful and tender care of her throughout her disease. Now I hope that you can find rest and peace. As others have said, you are an inspiration to those of us still on this journey. God bless you.
Jim, what a wonderful life you and Kathryn shared. When my husband died last year someone wrote this to me: "each tear that you may cry is a note of love rising to the heavens."
Jim B- It is hard to believe that it is a blessing that Kathryn is now free of the disease. My heart goes out to you, and I share in your grief. My deepest and sincerest condolences to you, and your loved ones.