seasheller

Dear Pam — Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. My husband passed away May 18,’07 with this terrible disease. Fortunately, he didn’t suffer too long with it. I live on the ocean at Hutchinson Island, Fl.during the winter months and I can relate the comfort the beach and the water bring. In fact, my son and daughter accompanied me in burying their Dad’s ashes in the sand. We purposely put them fairly close to the lapping waves on the shore so we could witness them being carried out to sea as we sat and reflected on the wonderful life we had with “Dad & Husband”. In a memorial I wrote a favorite verse — “The tides recede but leave behind, bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops but echoes on in a soft and sweet refrain. So every day that passes by a part of you, Dear (name), will still remain. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Pam. Hugs, Jean

Susan — So very sorry to hear about your Mom. You were such a supportive and loving daughter and she knew that right to the end. You were there for her and, speaking from experience, it will be a comfort to you always, knowing that you did everything that was humanly possible to show your love in her final moments. God Bless you and give you strength through your grief. Love, Jean

My heart is with you, Michelle! My husband passed away last May ’07. We were married 53 yrs. I continue to read the posts and pray for all those who are suffering from this terrible disease. I know the numbness that you are feeling and the disbelief that your loved one is gone. You will gain strength as time passes, but the tears will come out of nowhere at different times of the day as memories come flooding over you. The important thing, as I have often heard is, don’t hang on to the grief — you have to gain the strength to maintain your health. I always picture how proud my husband would be of me, to see that I am able to smile in memory of him. Time heals, but your heart and mind will hold him forever. I bought a gold chain and put his wedding band on it — I wear it often.

Dear Richard — Not knowing exactly the extent of your fahter’s condition at this time, it seems if he feels well and has the thoughts of exercising, etc.. or at least giving all this a try once he is home, let him. If there is interference of having visiting nurses, etc. going on around him when he doesn’t need them yet, it seems the freedom to be himself, if he so desires, might be beneficial to him. If, however, he is apprehensive and needs hospice care with meds and everything, he will undoubtedly show signs when that need arises. I know it’s a tough decision to make at this time.
God bless you with His love and care. ~~ Jean

Dear Rita — My husband passed away in May and since that time, I have read as many messages as I can. I read yours with heartache and understanding all through your father’s illness. Many of the things that you were experiencing, how your Dad was talking and acting and the symptoms that you were describing, were very much like my husband’s in his final days. Just always remember that you were there for him in his final days. That is so comforting to me now. God bless you and give you strength in the days ahead. It’s a blessing that he will not have to suffer anymore — he is in a much better place than on a bed of pain! God bless you and your family. ~~ Jean

Dear Cathy — I can’t even imagine how Gerry has the stamina or the will to go to work while he is battling this disease. He needs every ounce of energy that he has, plus time to rest and relax when he needs to. Do hope he can get the disability leave soon. My heart goes out to both of you. God Bless. ~~ Jean

Dear Carol — My thoughts and prayers are with you and Charlie and will be on Thurs. Nov. 8 when he has his surgery. So glad to hear that he seems to be looking on the brighter side as he awaits this day. God bless both of you with strength, comfort for your fears and love in your hearts for one another. Just remember, that love will always be there — the illness has put a strain on it, but it’s there!!!!! God bless! Love & hugs, Jean

I had the biggest disappointment in my life after my husband was admitted to the hospital. We had both an internist and an oncologist that we really liked so much — they were always so kind and caring. It was hard for me to believe that neither one of them showed up at the hospital in the 8 days that my husband was there. They were each in a GROUP with 3 other doctors who were not familiar with my husband or case. Just writing about it now makes me both mad and sad. I guess in the long run, it’s all about money because the bills came in for their short visits in the room — nothing under $200.00 or so a visit. I know they need their time off, but where is there compassion and dedication to their patients?? I will find it very difficult to go back to Florida and return to our internist for my personal check up. I haven’t seen or talked to the man since he admitted my husband.
I would have been comforted by a call from him to express his sympathy — maybe I’m expecting too much. Blessings to all, Jean