My precious DH died peacefully yesterday morning after 11 years of this horrible disease. Until two weeks ago, he was walking with his walker, eating well and going to day care two days a week. Then one morning I had trouble waking him up. When I did get him awake, he couldn't walk and he continued a drastic downturn for the next two weeks. No UTI or anything, just the AD taking it's toll. I didn't know they could take a nosedive that fast.
Going through pictures for a display at the service, I relived our 60 years together, the children growing up, the birth and wonderful times we had with the grandchildren, and all our trips and vacations. It was all good so how could I have any complaints now?
This website has been a God send for me since finding it 7 years ago. There has been a sharing/caring/learning here that I have not found anywhere else. Although I have never met any of you, I feel a love and closeness to all of you as you share the struggles you are going through. Joan, I will be sending a donation to help keep this place going for those coming along behind me in this journey. I will go to the widow/widowers thread now to find help and strength to get through this and learn how to live as a single.
God bless you, Dazed. May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead. You have been a true warrior in this most disheartening journey. Take care of yourself.
Dazed, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find the strength to get through the days and weeks ahead. You have been a member of the family here for so long and I feel close to you. Hugs!
<< I relived our 60 years together ...... It was all good so how could I have any complaints now?>>
Dazed, I'm sorry, but at the same time I'm glad that your 11 year journey ended as gracefully as it did. I admire your positive attitude and know it will get you through the coming difficult days.
Dazed, Sorry for your loss, you have been a wonderful caregiver and contributor to this site. You have our support in your journey. You mentioned 60 years of marriage, we had our sixtieth in Feb which hb only remembered when told for about 5 seconds. Take care of yourself and stay well. Dorie
Dazed, it's been a long time together here I also feel I know you just a little bit. I'm very sorry that he has passed. In and amongst all the years of hardship for both is still that thread between you and it hurts no matter how dazed we get from this long and awful experience. I understand what you said because I have similar feelings and they've remained as the truth which is that I was very blessed and there is no other 'headline' on our story. My condolences Dazed.
Darling Dazed, my heart aches for you. Very few people are blessed with a love such as yours, and to have and to hold each other for 60 years and then to lose him... incomprehensible. I know how much you worried about being able to care for him, and I know how very hard it's been, but you came through like a champ. You've been a wonderful wife and a terrific caregiver (well ... with the possible exception of the electric cart in the grocery store), and you've made these boards a better place to be. All my love, Sunshyne
Oh Dazed so very sorry to hear of your dearest loss. You join several of us longer members who have also losses this year as well and are trying to find a life again. May your days ahead be peaceful and full of loving memories. My best-divvi*
Hugs and prays Dazed for rest, peace and comfort in the days and weeks to come. My husband and I talked about how we both hope the end goes really fast. I know it is hard and painful, but happy his was that way. He is at peace and now you can rest and find a way to go on.
Dazed, you and I were on this path together and on this site together so long! My DH passed almost exactly like yours. May you find the peace you need to get through the time ahead - it isn't easy, but you are a survivor and you have been an awesome caregiver to him. Love, prayers and hugs.
Thinking of you Dazed,sending you sincere sympathy and a wish for comfort and strength to surround you in the days ahead. May your dear husband now rest in peace. cassie
I am so sorry to read of your dear husband's passing. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I will pray for you to have the necessary strength to get through the very difficult weeks and months ahead. The one thing that can't be taken from you is the deep love you both shared for all those years. Try to get some rest.
I'm so sorry for your loss. What a journey we all go through. Like you, I have been married a long time, almost 57 years to your 60. It is like my right arm is gone, only worse. My deepest condolences to you.
Dazed, I believe we lose them often times when we least expect it. Prayers going out to you and your family. 60 years is such a testamite to your love. I hope the days ahead will be peaceful and filled with fond memories.
Thank you everyone for your kind remarks and expressions of sympathy. Now I'm a widow. He's gone and he's not coming back. Do I take off my ring, still wear it, wear it on a chain around my neck, have it made into something else? I think there was a thread about this some time ago. Can someone find it for me?
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband. When my husband passed, I remember thinking the same things - now I'm a widow. He's gone and he's not coming back. So heartbreaking.
Dazed, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your DH had such a long journey together in your life and with this disease. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Dazed .........I've followed your struggle since I've been here and know what you've been through. They say adversity builds strength, and in my own case, I feel that after surviving this Hell, I am so strong, I can move a mountain. .......It's going to be the same for you, Dazed. With all you have gained from this, you will now be able to do some great things in this world.
Dazed, I can't find the discussion you wanted, but basically, we all agreed that you should do what makes YOU happy. Some wear their rings on the other hand, some keep them where they are, some wear them on a chain around their neck and others get a special jewelry box to put them in. For some, it is time that helps them decide. Others find a new companion (friend/housemate/fiance/husband/traveling partner) and buy that special box at that time. Just do what feels right to you, dear friend!
So much love on this board!!! I'm doing Ok most of the time. So much to do and take care of. I've decided I'll keep wearing my ring on my left hand where it has been for 60 years. It's a symbol of our love. Now I'm wondering what to do with his.