The Long Goodbye is Over
My dear husband passed away early Monday morning. He was at home and with me and our two children.
He was diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago and had been slowly progressing over time. He was always cheerful and I am so thankful for that and for all of the support that we had.
About three weeks ago, he was becoming so weak that we had to help him get out of bed and up from chairs. A friend suggested hospice and I'm so glad they did. Hospice was wonderful. They came twice a week to check on us and provide support and tips. They provided a recliner that stood him up and a chair on wheels, plus supplies like depends and pads; and medication. They were available 24/7 which was such a relief to me, knowing they could come anytime that Mike fell and I needed help getting him up. It was all paid for by Medicare.
Last Friday, when the nurse was visiting we talked about how hard it was to get him out of bed. She suggested a hospital bed that would rise and lower and that could be put in a different part of the house that was better access.
They brought the bed the next day. We got Mike into it and he never left. He was unconscious but I believe he knew that we were there with him, along with the steady stream of loved ones that came to see him.
Three days later, he took his last breath. As difficult as this is, I couldn't have asked for a better outcome, with him being home with me and the kids. And, he is at peace.
Prayers to all of you dealing with this horrible disease.
Comments
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My deepest condolences on the loss of your husband. I'm sure it is very difficult but such a peaceful transition and in the company of the people he loved is such a blessing. Prayers and hugs to you as you adjust to this new stage.
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Thank you for taking such good care of him at home. I’m sure you are relieved that his passing was peaceful and at home with family. This disease is horrible, but we all support each other to get through it. My prayers are with you and your family. Take care of yourself!!!
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So sorry for your loss! RIP
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@ Lhuerta bless you and your family and your dear husband in heaven! It is clear that you provided great love & care and that his passage was peaceful for you all. Thank you for telling us. I wish this for all of us and our loved ones!
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I am sorry for your loss. I wish you peace and strength as you move into stage 8.
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So Sorry for you and your Family's loss. Prayers for strength in the coming days. 🙏🙏🙏
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Dear Lhuerta, I send warm thoughts to you and your family on the heartfelt loss of your beloved. You stayed the course and did the best that could be under such circumstances and were a very real blessing. It is good to hear how helpful Hospice was and of course they can continue to be in support after the death of one's Loved One.
May peace and solace find you and your family soon. Let us know how you are doing; we will be thinking of you and we care.
J.
J.
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Sending prayers of comfort. May your wonderful memories fill the days to come.
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Thank you for sharing. I hope I can keep DH at home until the end…he is not especially cheerful (never has been, actually) but I'm going to do my best to keep him out of a facility unless absolutely necessary. My thoughts are with you…
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I am so sorry for your loss. We are here for you as you move into a new chapter of life. Your dear husband was blessed to have you in his life. Peace to you.
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I am very sorry for your loss.
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❤️
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So sorry to hear this; I’m glad his passing was peaceful. My deepest condolences.
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I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. May you find peace in the coming days.
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So sorry for your loss. Such a blessing you and your children were able to be by his side. May your wonderful memories comfort you in the days ahead.
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My sincere condolences on the loss of your husband. May you find some peace in the days ahead.
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I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in the coming days.
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I am sorry for your loss. Please be kind to yourself.
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so sorry for your loss. Praying for your strength in the coming days. Your husband was lucky to have you. May he rest in peace now that his suffering is over.
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Peace to you and your family.
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Condolences on your loss. Wishing you comfort and peace
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Peace be with you and yours.
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So sorry for your loss. How wonderful that you could have him with you until the end. That is my prayer for my DH. May you find peace and strength during this time.
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I’m so sorry for your loss.
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I am so sorry for your loss! I send condolences to you and your children. It sounds like a blessing for you all that he was able to remain home until the end. Wishing you some peace!
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My sincere condolences on your loss. It’s clear you were a wonderful caregiver to him, and I’m thankful that his passing was peaceful. Sending thoughts and prayers your way during this most difficult time.
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Condolences to you and your family! But to go quickly and peacefully is truly a blessing. May you find comfort in knowing that he's in a good place and that you can start living again.
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My sympathy to you and your family. Bless your heart.❤
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I am so sorry for your loss. You were a wonderful caregiver and he was able to pass in his own home with all of you there. Wishing your and your family comfort and peace.
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Thank you for sharing your story. We entered medical hospice about a month ago. They seemed quite concerned. With my overall health than. My DW. I think my weight loss, and the strain on us is palpable, my DW, has a steady decline, it seems at times she doesn’t realize she is at the end of her life, but within our faith, this is not then end, we are completing this transition and heading to the next Journey. I find great comfort in the. Basis of her life and its mission, as it has been fulfilled in a most remarkable way. ESPECIALLY as I am writing your condolences, I have become more aware of how much gratitude I can seek and feel comfort in the. Longest goodbye. Obviously no one knows here in Tunis life, exactly where they are during this dreadful disease, most of us knwo, they are not themselves anymore, maybe for a split second, there has to be a lesson in this tormenting disease? If we can turn poision into medicine, Dementia is a mind /brian altering long good kind of poison for those of us left to suffer? Now, how do I find away to begin to heal & create a “medicine” from this grief?
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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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