My Dear Wife just passed
Hello Everyone,
My dear wife of 43 years, together for 49, passed away from this life July 26. She had been living in MC for the last 2 years. She was a very healthy 66 year old, but developed pneumonia, and died within days of the diagnosis. Her family was by her side when she took her last breath. I was (am) devastated, but wanted to let this whole community know some thoughts as we all deal with this terrible disease.
First, this forum has been a life saver for me (literally), because following EO diagnosis (age 60), I had no one to talk to-- it is not as common as you may think. Then Covid, then placement in MC, then Covid lockdowns again. During these times I read how others were coping and found that my situation was less difficult than many. Thank you all for reaching out
Secondly, the world is a lot nicer and compassionate than the talking heads of media want us to believe. During my DW cognitive decline, help from others was sincere. Her MC was Awesome, and the staff was so compassionate, so my DW was always happy, and safe. She never wanted to 'go home', as she felt loved and cared for at her new home.
When she suddenly passed, the outpouring of sympathy (and shock) was almost overwhelming, and although it made me cry a lot, it was soothing, and has helped me through this tough time. And finally, when I needed to make arrangements for her Celebration of Life, the process of finding pictures, images of all of the fun we had and places/people we had seen, it helps to understand she/we had a great life; too short, but a great life. The celebration was attended by so many more that we expected, and the funny stories shared has helped us to heal.
She is at peace, and hopefully my memories will not be filled with her cognitive decline, but instead with all of the joy we shared as my Beautiful Wife.
Comments
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Dear Jed, I send my heartfelt condolences to you regarding the death of your beloved, lovely wife. Thank you for letting us know; your Post is beautifully written and the love and partnership you shared throughout your lives is a testament to the wonderfully filled life you built and led together.
May you find solace in the beauty of all that was shared and in knowing that you have gone the distance for her as best as could be done and she deeply benefitted from your care and advocacy. Love is never lost.
J.
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My condolences to you, and a long distance hug. Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts.0
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JED,
So sorry for your loss. Find solace in good memories and the love you shared.
Dave
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JED I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dear Wife.
Thank you for sharing statement number two.
Sayra
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My deepest sympathy for your loss. She was a beautiful woman and I can tell from your post that you loved her dearly.0
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So sorry for your loss, your an example for us all. Your care and love, show in your post she was the most important thing in your life. Thanks for sharing.0
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Yes , she is at peace and I hope you are too. Remember the good times and her suffering is over. Hoot0
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So sorry for your loss! Be comforted in knowing that her suffering is over. She's in a good place now. And hopefully you'll be able to care for yourself and live.0
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Jed, I'm sorry for your devastating loss. I hope you can find comfort in the memories you have,0
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JED, my heartfelt condolences to you. Your wife is a beautiful lady and your love for her shows. May God give you peace and strength as you and your family go through the days.
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JED, my sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear wife.
Thank you for sharing so many things with us. It gave me a sense of peace.
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Jed, My sincere condolences on the loss of your wife. May you find some peace in the days ahead.0
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The Sad part of loving someone is losing them, especially when they are lost to Alzheimer’s long before they take their finial breath. As you said she is at peace, however there will be times when your memories will be filled with her cognitive decline, and a sadness that’s just part of the grief process, but when that happens just remind yourself of all of the joy you shared with your Beautiful Wife. Alzheimer’s may have taken her physical presence from you but it can’t take away the love you shared with each other, and beautiful life you built with each other. God’s Blessings to you Richard
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I’m very sorry for the loss of your precious wife. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.0
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So sorry for the loss of your DW. What a beautiful photograph!0
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Dear Jed,
I am so sorry for the loss of your DW. It's true, there are so many kind people around and I'm glad you had support. It' s been a long road for you. God bless you and please take care of you.
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(((Jed)))
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you have so many that have come out to comfort you.
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I'm so sorry for your loss and for how sudden it was. May God bless you and your family.0
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My deepest condolences to you, JED, on your DW’s passing. May her memory be a blessing.
Jeff
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Commonly Used Abbreviations
DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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