Love and Loss in Alzheimer’s

shark_guy

My Journey with this horrible Alzheimer’s disease is coming to an end now that my sweet wife of 55 years, Linda, has died on May 31st, 2025. I have learned so much about how to navigate this process over these past few years and am grateful to each of you who has shared their thoughts, experiences and advice. 

My life will be very different now, and I still find myself surprised by Linda’s absence when I glance over to look at her and find that she is not there. I am sad that she is gone, but also relieved that this is over and that she is no longer suffering. As some of you know from my earlier posts, my personal journey has been somewhat unique because I decided more than a year ago to begin moving on with my life while still caring for Linda here in our home. I don’t regret anything I did including early grief counseling and most especially, connecting with a wonderful woman who helped rescue me from grief and loneliness while Alzheimer’s took the love of my life from me. As a result, I am now not totally alone and my lady friend and I are beginning a new life together and she has allowed me, with her love, empathy and compassion, to take comfort in knowing that although Alzheimer’s has taken Linda’s life, it has not taken mine. 

Wishing each of you a peaceful path through this horrible disease, may you find a way to care for your loved one and honor them while also caring for yourself. Peace and Tranquility to you all.

Jean

New Braunfels, Texas.

harshedbuzz

@shark_guy I am sorry for the loss of your dear Linda. Please accept my sincere condolences.

HB

charley0419

may she RIP

Gator1976

each of us will have the same ending. Thank you for being so open. Sorry for your loss and happy for your future. While moving on to preserve your own happiness and future while she was still on this earth, the caring and support of her shows you really didn’t abandon her, you found support in finishing your wife’s journey to heaven. We all understand and debate the same questions. Best to you and your new, rest of your life.

cdgbdr

May you find ongoing comfort. Bless you.

midge333

I am sorry for your loss. I admire your love and dedication for your wife.

trottingalong

I am sorry for your loss, it’s been a long road. You have made decisions that have been really good for you. I’m happy you are still living your life and not alone. It’s always bittersweet losing someone to this disease. We miss who they were.

Old Iowan

Best wishes for your future and just keep going!!

Jgirl57

prayers and peace as you enter “stage 8”.

ronda b

Sending condolences and wishing your future is happy.

Shelly / Texas

Sincere condolences. Enjoy your next chapter.

SDianeL

so sorry for your loss. Thank you for all your support. Have a great life that will honor Linda’s memory. She would want that. 💜

Arrowhead

I know several men who have found other female companionship while their wives were wasting away from this disease. It's not something I would do, but I understand why others do. I do not find fault with those who do because I understand the need for a woman in a man's life. I hope your future life brings you happiness.

jehjeh

Please accept my sincere condolences. I'm glad to know you have someone beside you as you continue through this journey.

CampCarol

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your DW. Sending thoughts and prayers your way during this most difficult of times.

Dio

My condolences (and with a touch of envy…I don't know how many more years it'll be for us). Please take good care of yourself now.

White Crane

so sorry for your loss.

annie51

Prayers and condolences for your loss. May your new life bring you as much joy as your old one.