Trying to move on after wife's death in August

Hi all,

 

Trying hard to move forward after my wife's death in August this year.Diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in 2017 we had nearly 5 years of life extending scans /treatment.Going for scan results every 12 weeks and crossing our fingers each time took it out on her.Even though we knew it was going to end badly,i was super optimistic which balanced out with her pessimism.When the end came it was  quick and painless for her with being at home and with me holding her.She had told me to look after myself and our 2 adult children after her demise,and not to dwell on the past.We decided not to moan about the probable 10 years we were not going to have together in the future ,but think about the 48 years of happiness we did spend in our marriage.I appreciate that this was my goal,but i am having trouble putting this into practice.Does anyone know how long it takes when it will not consume my thoughts on a daily basis.

Parents
  • Hello Ashley, August is not long ago and my husband died January this year, lung cancer, five years of treatment and married 52 years, so a very similar story, Norman said to live the life I had left as best as I could because he felt he had put me through so much during his treatment.  But you really need to grieve first, look at all we've had with our partners, adult children, grandchildren, you cannot put that all away in a few months.  I've started volunteering again, meeting friends, joined a class, ballet, so not suitable for YOU!  Just take it a day at a time, it will become a little easier but then it will come over you in waves again, today the song How can I tell you I love you by Cat Stevens set me off again.  Don't be hard on yourself, it's so soon since she died, take care. Carol 

  • many thanks Carol.I heard that cat stevens song also and it stopped me in my tracks.Our case histories are so much alike,except for the fact that we have no grandchildren..Our daughter only married last year due to covid delays,so my wife would burst into tears when she thought about not being here when and if it happened.I have come out of retirement to work 12 hours a week,back with friends who need a helping hand.Will also look for volunteer work after xmas.What makes you think i would not be suitable for ballet,after all i am a pas de deux..thanking you for your lovely reply,i wish you all the best for the future.Ashley

Reply
  • many thanks Carol.I heard that cat stevens song also and it stopped me in my tracks.Our case histories are so much alike,except for the fact that we have no grandchildren..Our daughter only married last year due to covid delays,so my wife would burst into tears when she thought about not being here when and if it happened.I have come out of retirement to work 12 hours a week,back with friends who need a helping hand.Will also look for volunteer work after xmas.What makes you think i would not be suitable for ballet,after all i am a pas de deux..thanking you for your lovely reply,i wish you all the best for the future.Ashley

Children
  • Dear Ashley, that sounds like a plan and well done for going back to work.  It is so lonely all day without your loved one and life does need a purpose, we need to feel that we are here for a reason

      Sorry about the faux pas, I'm sure you'd look well in your ballet get up! 

    Carol