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my loss of my husband
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my loss of my husband
My husband passed away suddenly two years ago. Well, it will be two years tomorrow. I was watching a video about loss, dealing with weekend in the best way I can, and the phone rang. Since it said it was from an area where my brother-in-law and his wife live, I answered it. It was a spam call asking to speak to my late husband.
Why do they do this!! I was hoping someone was calling to give me consolation. I was not all alone today because my husband's sister came by for a bit. I will be going to church tomorrow on the second "anniversary" of his death. I had a Catholic Mass said on a better day - the would-be 30th anniversary of our wedding. Good memories.
Just wanted to write on here about this tough weekend. Thanks.
Carolyn
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Hi, Carolyn, I am very sorry for your loss. I am also starting year 2 since my husband died. I am finding year 2 harder than I expected. I guess the harsh reality of him never coming back has finally hit me. I thought I accepted the death including the caregiver days and aftermath. While I got through it somehow the trauma and horrors continue to haunt me from time to time. Due to journalling and attending grievance workshops I have faced some of these painful moments and in some ways feel I am better at coping with them. I agree loneliness is one of the greatest challenges, but as I have posted before grieving is a solo journey at the end of the day. Having said that it is important to establish a meaningful network of kindred spirits with whom you can chat seriously about your fears and experiences without judgment. It means a lot to know that you are not alone. I am sorry you got the spam call and can understand why it was so distressful on many levels. Weekends have been hard for me as well. Doing a fun thing is a worthwhile activity but there are times when I don't know what that means. So, take it slow and do one or two things that bring you some peace of mind. Sometimes we just have to slow down. Grieving will take longer than most people even realize and so be easy on yourself mentally and physically. Have a good weekend. Your friend in grief, Sue
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Thank you Sue, for such a supportive post. I'm sorry I took a while before responding, On Saturday night, I went with Dan's sister for the first time in two years (last time was with Dan) to a pub where my niece was playing in her band. It was really fun. I'm hoping you have some good times on your weekends too.
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I’m sorry my post went MIA, I meant to redo it
but didn’t get back to it. I want to share what
helped me. It’s a book called “Widow to
Widow” by Genevieve Davis Ginsburg. It was
given to me by a friend but Amazon sells it.
Even four years later I still read it from time
to time. It still helps. Please know we all know
what you’re going through. I never know what
can trigger me into sadness. God bless you 🙏
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Carolyn, my thoughts are with you...
This is impossibly hard right now for you; I still grieve losing my father 39 years ago; some losses are just harder than others.
I also understand your "tough weekend"; 2 youngest daughters were at 1-Oct and the time before discovering they were safe was the absolute worst of my life.
Many don't understand why it is so bad for me; they haven't felt the feeling you and I have.
Please know, you are okay, in their defined terms; but eventually you will actually be there. Just please remember him with the love, dignity, and respect he felt for you, then know he knows you'll continue your best self to represent both of you, as one...
#StaySafe
#VegasStrong
Phil Harris, actor and showman, to John Fogerty of CCR: “If I’d known I’d live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.”
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Thank you so much for your sympathies and sharing your experience. I am so sorry about your loss as well.. I called my sister and she told me to watch a movie. Actually, I was crying anyway, so I watched the opera La Boheme on youtube on my TV. You need to cry. Thank you again.
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Hi Caroline,
Yes, I am still here. Good days and bad days. Today was fine until, while driving home, the played "Wind beneath my Wings" Tears and more tears. Better not home and getting ready to do laundry and play with the dog. Each day is a challenge. I miss Tom very much. Just over four months and I still expect to come home and see him or watch him walk in the door. I am not sure this will ever end.
Janice
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Janice, four months is very short. Allow the tears to come. I do. I found song lists around the house that my husband made of songs he loved. I put the lists together in a book along with other items and memories. I listen to those songs or watch them on Youtube and I cry. But there is healing in that. They say to lean into the grief.
I read your repost also Sue and I want to reach out to you and everyone else on here. If I miss anyone, I am sorry. I'm not too web savvy.
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Hi, Carolyn, Janice and others in the Grief Forum. I agree with your observations, Carolyn, that four months is a very short time since the passing of a loved one. In hindsight, I was pretty numb for several months, so I agree that it is important to give yourself time and be understanding to your needs and emotions. Also, Janice, take care of yourself mentally and physically by getting enough sleep and eating healthy if possible. These goals can be stretch goals and I had to work on this for my overall well-being. As Carolyn pointed out remembering your loved one can be a healthy productive outlet for your emotions. The experts call it Continuing Bonds. It does work if you can do small things, like listening to favorite music, collecting photos in albums, planting a shrub, etc. It is the thought that matters and brings you into the present and potentially the future if you continue with these types of remembrances. I found that donating to charity or volunteering on my husband's behalf has been rewarding as well. Janice, take care and give yourself time. You have the right to cry and express your feelings. As I said before, journaling can be a great outlet. Good luck to you. Sue
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I know how you feel. Talking on the phone when
both parties are grieving, I think, would not be a
good thing for either party. No offense intended.
You need to talk to a neutral party, someone who
hasn't gone thru this, a close friend or a Grief
Counselor. I know if we spoke, I'd probably be
crying before we even began talking. And just a
tip from me- When I get really bad, and I need to
cry and talk, I talk to the one who always listens
and won't judge me: you guessed it, my deceased
husband. Believe it or not, it helps me. Bless you
Janice, I hope this helps
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Yes, Beatlelover, it's good to talk to the one we lost.
I'd like to share with everyone the lyrics from a song by Mr. Rogers. It goes:
"Please don't think it's funny, when you want the one you miss. There are lots and lots of people who sometimes feel like this."
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How interesting she recommended a movie, and you chose La Boheme! I also, from time to time, choose a day to cry.
My go-to movies are Bohemian Rhapsody then The Best Years of Our Lives; usually followed up by one of the A Star is Born movies...
#StaySafe Carolyn (and Sis)
#VegasStrong
Phil Harris, actor and showman, to John Fogerty of CCR: “If I’d known I’d live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.”
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