Phantom Family

Paris20

I just finished a book about a double amputee. There was a reference to «phantom limb,» the condition where amputees still feel sensations in the missing limb. I was struck by the thought that as I walk around my home, living alone for the first time in my 76 years, I have «phantom family.» Sometimes I hear a noise and assume it’s my husband, who has been in a skilled nursing facility for nine months. I sometimes recall my kids in their bedrooms but they left home ages ago. And I’m still checking to see where my beagle is. She died of cancer in October. I’m still closing doors for privacy that I already have and don’t need. I know this sounds maudlin, and I’m really OK, but I’m wondering if this is a common phenomenon.

M1

I like the phrase Paris. I do the same things. I like some of the newfound freedoms of living solo-no thermostat wars, no reloading the dishwasher because she did it differently, no changing the window shades or the light settings.  But her ghost is everywhere.   A phantom presence.

Mint

Good analogy

Joydean

Paris I like your analogy. My dh is still home but he’s not here. Sometimes I want to ask him to help me do something I have a very hard time physically doing, but he can’t even get his underwear on. He is here but I’m alone.