By Beachfan…..55 years

Beachfan

Today DH and I would have celebrated 55 married years. I am at the ‘shore in the sweet little home that has been in my family since 1951. I am within walking distance to the beach where DH proposed to me in August, 1967. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday. Several weeks ago, not long after his death, I was here by myself. I dug a little trench by the water’s edge at sunset and sprinkled a tiny bit of his ashes, covered them with sand and waited until several waves washed over the spot and I knew he was gone, but safe. The beach was empty; I was all alone in this endeavor. The last few summers we came to the ‘shore, I couldn’t bring him to the beach comfortably, so in the early evening, I would walk him to the bench at the beach entrance and we would sit while the sun was setting and sometimes chat with folks and families as they left for the day. I was surprised at the people who remembered him from years past and those who reconnected with him in recent years “on the bench”. And so, I sprinkled a little more cremains behind the bench and left a “memorial” shell there as well to mark his resting place. I’m sure as summer gets underway, I’ll meet up with some of our “bench” acquaintances and share memories.

There is life after death, there is life after Alz. It’s not at all what I would have imagined 55 years ago, but I am so thankful we had what we had. Blessings to everyone along this journey, whatever your milestone.

PookieBlue

Very sweet

SQBEAR50

Thank you. I'm struggling today with the memories of my uncle who passed away almost 2 years ago. Just reading your post gives me some comfort.

Again, thank you.

Nicole

toolbeltexpert

Beachfan your places are the touchstones of life. Great memories.

Stewart

ladyzetta

Beachfan, Thank You for sharing those precious memories. Your DH is in heaven looking down on you. Hugs Zetta

White Crane

Dear Beachfan, God bless you today and hold you close as you save your sweet memories. We never know what life will hand us but you have traveled this Journey with love and grace. Hugs.

Brenda

Ed1937

Thank you for sharing such a heart felt post. From what the obit said, I'm sure there are a lot of people who have fond memories of him. I almost felt like I was there watching you with a crowd of people watching nearby.

M1

I too thank you. I expect we’ll do a very private commitment ceremony like you did. He’s with the stars and the oceans now.

mrahope

Thank you for sharing your memories, love, and respect for your DH and what you shared.

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Jgirl57

Oh Beachfan that was such a sweet post .

I could feel the healing in your words.

mommyandme (m&m)

Thank you for this heartfelt post about your DH. I love the beach! …and the poem, thank you.

JoseyWales

Dearest Beachfan, I'm sorry I'm a day late seeing this. 55 years. Amazing. Your whole post is just beautiful. I love that little shell. What a beautiful way to remember him on the beach.

I'm happy to see you enjoying life after Alzheimer's. You're an inspiration to me. I keep telling myself that it's not wrong to enjoy life, even though it feels that way sometimes. Your posts lift me up and help me see that my life can still be enjoyed, despite what DH has / will go through.

Sligo177

Dear Beachfan,

Thank you so much for sharing this. You do things in such a meaningful way. As Josey said, you are uplifting and an inspiration. God bless you! And thank you for the photo, so peaceful.

My DH died on March 5th, and our 48th anniversary would have been June 12th. I think I'm going to buy myself some flowers.

Jeanne C.

That's lovely.

RickM

That is cool! Thanks

Dio

Beautiful moments...thanks so much for sharing! ❤️

F&E

Thank you I enjoyed your post very much.It’s beautiful. I am glad that you are getting along well . Enjoy the beach and your memories

SDianeL

Thanks for a beautiful tribute to your DH's memory. My husband is 2 yrs post diagnosis and I've been feeling sad about our situation. Your post made me stop and remember that we have been blessed with a great life we've had together for 35 years and to cherish those memories. We retired early, bought an RV and traveled to every state in the US. So glad we did. God Bless.

SDianeL

GONE FROM MY SIGHT

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,

spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts

for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.

I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck

of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

 Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."

 Gone where?

 Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,

hull and spar as she was when she left my side.

And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.

And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"

there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices

ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

 And that is dying...

Henry Van *$%&