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I had to say good-bye

Kenzie56
Kenzie56 Member Posts: 130
100 Comments Second Anniversary 5 Care Reactions
Member

I believe the last time I posted was last March when dh was admitted to hospice care. The love of my life passed away last Thursday, May 25, 2023. I remember reading heartbreaking posts from my fellow community members, but now writing such a post is an out-of-body experience. Words such as "now he is at peace" does not take the sting away. I feel like I am drifting on autopilot. Bruce was only 72 and I thought we would have a wonderful retirement life together. His retirement was filled with fear, confusion, anxiety, inability to speak or comprehend the spoken language and memory loss. I never could have navigated this journey without all of you helping me every step of the way. You gave me great ideas, comfort when I was lost or frightened, and most of all empathy, compassion and understanding. I am now faced with putting one foot in front of the other and face a life without my spouse of 44 years. I just can't seem to stop crying. 😪

Paula Patrick

Comments

  • Davegrant
    Davegrant Member Posts: 203
    Sixth Anniversary 100 Comments 25 Likes 25 Care Reactions
    Member

    I am sorry for your loss. I pray that your pain will lessen. Thanks for sharing the obituary.

    Dave

  • Denise1847
    Denise1847 Member Posts: 836
    250 Care Reactions 500 Comments 250 Likes 100 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    I am so sorry. I pray for your peace and comfort during these most difficult times.

  • toolbeltexpert
    toolbeltexpert Member Posts: 1,583
    Sixth Anniversary 1000 Comments 100 Care Reactions 100 Likes
    Member

    I am so sorry for your loss, the obituary is a fitting tribute, and I hope you can get some rest, you did everything you could for your dh.

  • mrahope
    mrahope Member Posts: 529
    Fourth Anniversary 250 Care Reactions 100 Likes 100 Comments
    Member

    So, so, sorry for the loss of your dear husband. May time bring you some measure of peace as you rest and adjust to the loss.

  • Beachfan
    Beachfan Member Posts: 790
    Sixth Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Care Reactions 100 Likes
    Member

    Been there, done that, just over a month ago. I am so sorry and no, nothing anyone can say will lessen the sting. Your DH, like mine, taught and coached for many years. I was unprepared for the overwhelming turnout by former students, players and even second generation kids he mentored. In the end, I found it comforting and it was the most helpful thing that assisted me in remembering DH as he was before Alz. You can do this; stay strong, lean on your kids and grandkids, and savor the shared memories, tributes and comfort shared with you. One day at a time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Ed1937
    Ed1937 Member Posts: 5,084
    Sixth Anniversary 2500 Comments 500 Likes 250 Care Reactions
    Member

    Kenzie, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great obit! You're right, words don't take the sting away. My wife has been gone for 11 month, and I still dream about her most every night.

    I hope you can find peace, think of good times in the past, and look toward the future in the coming times.

  • Lgw
    Lgw Member Posts: 115
    25 Care Reactions 10 Comments Second Anniversary 5 Likes
    Member

    So sorry for your loss. Your words said exactly what so many of us have felt. My prayers reach out for you.

  • White Crane
    White Crane Member Posts: 851
    Seventh Anniversary 250 Care Reactions 500 Comments 100 Likes
    Member

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. Thank you sharing the obituary. It was a fitting tribute. Praying you find peace and comfort in the coming days.

  • Mint
    Mint Member Posts: 2,678
    Eighth Anniversary 2500 Comments 100 Care Reactions 100 Likes
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    Kenzie I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dear husband.

  • Quilting brings calm
    Quilting brings calm Member Posts: 2,408
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    Member

    I am so sorry for your loss. There is no one way to grieve - and that’s true no matter what the last years of his life was like. It’s okay to be angry that your planned retirement years were turned upside down, and also feel devastated by his loss. It’s also ok to have good days too.

  • jfkoc
    jfkoc Member Posts: 3,768
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    Member

    Thank you for including your husband's obituary....a lovely man.

    You have had a tremendous loss. Auto-pilot is going to get you through many days...it is your friend. The sting will lesson in it's own time. Life will go on but forever changed.

    Please accept my sympathy...I know how hard your journey is right now.

    I hope you will think about staying close to us here especially those of us now in stage 8.

    -Judith

  • Jgirl57
    Jgirl57 Member Posts: 472
    Fourth Anniversary 100 Likes 100 Comments 25 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    So very sorry; crying is ok and therapeutic . I am glad you found comfort on this forum. This disease is so hard to explain to others and we “ understand” your story. Love and hugs to you and your family.

  • Jeff86
    Jeff86 Member Posts: 684
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Comments 25 Care Reactions 25 Likes
    Member

    Heartfelt condolences to you Kenzie on your DH’s passing. You have been an exemplary caregiver and a great contributor to this special community. I hope with time some of the pain of loss subsided and is replaced with loving pre-AD memories.

  • Pat6177
    Pat6177 Member Posts: 442
    100 Likes Third Anniversary 100 Comments 25 Care Reactions
    Member

    My sincere condolences. Be kind to yourself as you go through this transition.

  • Buggsroo
    Buggsroo Member Posts: 573
    500 Comments 100 Care Reactions Third Anniversary 5 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    I am so sorry, this nasty disease takes no prisoners. My condolences for your loss.

  • saltom
    saltom Member Posts: 126
    100 Comments First Anniversary
    Member

    Kenzie, I am so sorry for what you are going through now. I am just about two months ahead of you in the process and continue to find this forum a source of comfort and inspiration. Drifting on autopilot is an apt expression. Emotionally it's a roller coaster. I hope you find some peace from the good memories and the legacy of caring your husband gave to the high school sports community. Thank you for sharing the obit.

  • Joe C.
    Joe C. Member Posts: 944
    Fifth Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Care Reactions 100 Likes
    Member

    Kenzie, My sincere condolences on the passing of your husband. May you find some peace in the days ahead.

  • Sandy1956
    Sandy1956 Member Posts: 20
    10 Comments First Anniversary
    Member

    Kenzie, my deepest sympathies on the passing of your beloved husband.

  • ImMaggieMae
    ImMaggieMae Member Posts: 1,015
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    Member

    Kenzie, I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words…. Just a virtual hug and wishing peace for you and your family.

  • JoseyWales
    JoseyWales Member Posts: 602
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Care Reactions 25 Likes
    Member

    Kenzie, I too am so sorry for your loss. Even though we all know how this ends.... it just can't be easy. The obituary was beautiful. Wishing you peace.

  • jfkoc
    jfkoc Member Posts: 3,768
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    thinking of you

  • Mint
    Mint Member Posts: 2,678
    Eighth Anniversary 2500 Comments 100 Care Reactions 100 Likes
    Member

    So very sorry for your loss

  • Dio
    Dio Member Posts: 682
    500 Comments 100 Care Reactions 100 Likes Second Anniversary
    Member

    Kenzie, so sorry for your loss! As I've always known, the cross is ours to bear alone, even in grief. No one and nothing can take away the sting. May you find strength in your will to live and be comforted in the love of your family and friends.

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
Read more