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His Battle Has Ended

The love of my life, my DH Joe, lost his battle with dementia on October 31. He was diagnosed 15 years ago and progression was slow until the last year when he was in memory care. It broke my heart to move him there but it got to the point where I couldn't keep him or myself safe. Hardest decision of my life. In Aug/Sept, his confusion and agitation worsened and we tried medication adjustments. In Oct, he stopped walking, talking, eating, drinking and swallowing. Memory staff were shocked at the sudden decline since even as he was progressing, he always said Thank You after a shower (which he hated). He was a big man (known as Big Joe) but was known as a teddy bear who took the hand of other residents and said God bless you. Our children and grandchildren were there as he took his last breath and i will never be the same. He was 78 and I had hoped for 10 more years of fishing, horseshoe and bag tournaments, dog walks, and family celebrations he'd loved. I can't thank you all enough for sharing your thoughts and experiences over these years. I'd prayed God would shorten his dementia journey and am so very grateful that He did. That said, I will never stop missing my love and will look forward to our great reunion one day. I will continue to pray for you all. Rest In Peace my love.

Comments

  • annie51
    annie51 Member Posts: 472
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    Member

    My deepest condolences in the loss of Joe. You’ve fought a tough battle but your DH is finally free of this terrible disease. You’re in my heart and in my prayers.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,462
    1,000 Care Reactions 1,000 Likes 500 Insightfuls Reactions 1000 Comments
    Member

    I’m so sorry for your loss. My DH Lonny also declined rapidly which I now see as a blessing. You were a great caregiver to your DH and made sure he was safe and well cared for. Cherish the beautiful memories you made together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 🙏💜

  • Vitruvius
    Vitruvius Member Posts: 429
    250 Care Reactions Fourth Anniversary 100 Insightfuls Reactions 100 Likes
    Member

    My sincere condolences. I wish you peace and strength in the days ahead.

  • Karen711
    Karen711 Member Posts: 207
    100 Care Reactions 100 Likes 100 Comments Second Anniversary
    Member

    My heartfelt condolences to you dear Daughter of a Marine. I know your heart is broken in a million pieces. I hope you find some peace in knowing you were there for him every step of the way. 💜

  • Metta
    Metta Member Posts: 80
    25 Likes 25 Care Reactions 10 Comments 5 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member
    edited 8:05AM

    May you be blessed with remembering the best years and family love. Prayers and love to you.

  • Chance Rider
    Chance Rider Member Posts: 114
    100 Comments 25 Care Reactions 25 Likes 5 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your DH Joe. I hope you can find comfort in knowing he is at last free of this wretched disease and able to rest in peace. My thoughts are with you and your family 💜

  • jgreen
    jgreen Member Posts: 51
    25 Insightfuls Reactions 25 Likes 10 Comments 5 Care Reactions
    Member

    Hugs and prayers for you, Daughter. Please check in every now and again to let us know how you are doing.

  • Goodlife2025
    Goodlife2025 Member Posts: 128
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    Member

    May His peace be with you and your family. So sorry for the loss of your dear Joe.

  • harshedbuzz
    harshedbuzz Member Posts: 5,916
    Eighth Anniversary 1,500 Likes 5000 Comments 1,000 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    I'm sorry for the loss of your dear Joe.

    HB

  • marier
    marier Member Posts: 125
    Seventh Anniversary 100 Comments 100 Care Reactions 25 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    Sending you hugs as well as my thoughts and prayers for you and Joe.

  • tonyac2
    tonyac2 Member Posts: 119
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    Member

    So sorry for your loss of the love of your life. Prayers for you and your family.

  • JeriLynn66
    JeriLynn66 Member Posts: 1,286
    1000 Comments 250 Likes 100 Care Reactions Second Anniversary
    Member

    I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious Joe. May the Lord comfort you and yours in this time.

  • Palmetto Peg
    Palmetto Peg Member Posts: 309
    Fourth Anniversary 250 Care Reactions 100 Likes 100 Comments
    Member

    I'm so sorry about your loss. We all know it will come, but I don't think any of us will every truly be ready. I know I am not. I wish you peace and healing during this sad time. Keep those memories close to your heart. 💜

  • White Crane
    White Crane Member Posts: 1,081
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Care Reactions 250 Likes 500 Comments
    Member

    My heart goes out to you and your family. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear Joe. May God bless you with peace in the coming days and may you remember the good times.

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