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24 May 2013, 12:39 AM

Hi everyone,

Two new members have joined our group. If you haven't already, I hope you will welcome 

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Reply by nanalovesu
05 Aug 2013, 3:38 AM

It's been a while since I last posted and thought it was time to share my life journey since the passing of my husband\soul mate\other half of me. It's been 2 years now, I did move to a different place and it has been good for me.  I can only speak about my own experience and still believe that everyone's life change will be different. This summer I took his ashes home to Quebec and were spread there. I found it very difficult emotionally to give up his remains as if it was all I had left. But by having the love of family around me made it possible to do. Have to say, once it was done, I was a little in shock, but also felt free...... I had kept my promise, and now could close the book.

 I start a new book of life with a greater value placed on each happy moment I come across. The sun still comes up every morning, and I see people in a different way. And have met someone wonderful, was scared at first, guarded my heart, but he remained patiently by my side.  Has been there thru the sudden tearfull moments and encourages me to cry. Happiness is once again a part of my life IF I am willing to embrace it. So take care of yourself, love yourself, and smile cause there is a great life ahead of all of us. 
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05 Aug 2013, 11:45 AM

Oh Nanalovesu, I'm so happy for you!!!!!

Thank you so much for taking a minute to come back and tell us about this leg of your journey. It never ceases to amaze me how many unexpected surprises cross the grief path - some so sad it threatens to break us and other surprises bring us joys we could never have dreamed of. Who would have expected that bringing your husband's ashes home would bring such peace that you can embrace life differently. Dare I say, he would've wanted this happiness for you? I'm sure he does. I know we all do.

I hope you'll stay in touch.
Enjoy!
Colleen
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Reply by NatR
05 Aug 2013, 8:18 PM

That is wonderful news Nanalovesu,

it is so good to hear you are finding a way to slowly take back your life, and you must feel so overwhelmed but happy - to be letting go of the pain and embracing the future

life is full of change, I applaud you - and am happy for you;)

as Colleen said, glad to hear how you are, and do stay in touch if you have time.  But go grab the ring and embrace life.  Your memories will always be with you - but you are doing what you should, going forward in your time, your way

best wishes,
sincerely,
NatR
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Reply by Brayden
06 Aug 2013, 2:58 AM

Dear Nanalovesu,
Thank you so much for updating us. Sharing your journey with us so honestly and showing such inner strength makes it all worth the effort for those of us that log on regularly. You are a hero. (Maybe a little Manitoba bias here) I just thought that you would make a great resource person for our local Manitoba Hospice and Palliative Care organization. Your new friend has found a great gem. Thanks again,
Brayden
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Reply by NatR
23 Sep 2013, 10:35 PM

Hi Nanalovesu,

just wondering how your September is going.  You had a great update the last time you wrote.  I am hoping that you will be keeping very busy with the new chapter in your book of life.  I hope that you have enjoyed lazy summer days, warm conversations, new paths to walk on, remembering the important people, important connections that will never fade, yet allowing yourself to move on in this journey we call life:)

sending you a thought for peace and love
be well,
sincerely,
NatR 
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Reply by PPP
24 Sep 2013, 12:21 PM

So very happy for Nanalovesu.  It means a lot to the rest of us who are going through the grieving process that when some days seems so impossible, there is hope for the next day.


It has been almost a year and a half since my husband Avery  died.  Unfortunately, the last few months, it seems like yesterday.  The first year, you are so busy with getting everything in order.  Everyone calls to seem how you are and pays some attention to you.  Then it gradually wanes and you are on own.  I have accomplished all the tasks that I had never done, that Avery did.  I suppose that kept me busy enough and still does.  But there is always something missing!  Life seems quite empty without him!


I have realized there is only me and it hurts.  I feel  that I should not feel so alone and that I should be in a better place.  I guess I am too hard on myself, and want everything to be like it was!  I am still trying to find a new normal. 


I see people who are single and they seem to enjoy it! Not having anyone to answer to or care for.  I have never had to live alone so the transition from we to me will take some time.  I miss being loved and spoiled by Avery!  Just having someone to care about you on a daily basis fulfills life. 


I will keep searching for my normal.  Time heals they say and everyone has their own way of going through grief. 


Regards


Jane


 

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05 Oct 2013, 9:12 PM

Hi Jane,

I hear the pain and loneliness in your words and struggle with what to say. First and foremost, I want you to know that someone is listening.

I don't think there are any "shoulds" - as in should feel less lonely or should be in a better place. Finding your new normal will take the time you need it to take. There will always be people who think you "should" be in a different frame of mind after such and such a time, but where do they get these timelines from? 

What is the one thing in your life now that makes you happy or can at least bring a momentary smile and feeling of joy? Can you make that last longer each time it happens? Or encourage it more to happen more often?

Sending you a gentle squeeze of the hand.
Colleen
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Reply by marstin
05 Oct 2013, 10:57 PM

Hi Jane,

I have to thank you for speaking your own truth. It's like an echo of a conversation I had with my stepdaughter today. I'm not sure why people expect that your grief has a time limit. It has been just over a year since I lost Len and in some ways it's like time has stood still. Having had to deal with so much paperwork and learn so many things plus try and clear my house to sell it that often these days I feel like I'm running on the spot. I have hit one of my lowest points recently and finally had to see my doctor to get some medication to help me cope. I truly don't think I have even begun to heal at all and I'm guessing that you may be feeling like that too.

I remember all of the people that were there in the beginning with kind words and offering to help. Within a short time I saw 90% of them just fade out of sight and of the final few that still remain only 2 of them think to check up on me from time to time. My family has deserted me totally and I am extremely hurt and bitter about it. Of course these are the ones that think that after a year that the grieving should be over. They have never walked in my shoes so where they get their wisdom from is beyond me.

I guess what I'm saying is that you are not alone in feeling so lost. As Colleen says there are no 'shoulds'. We have lost our other halves who we had thought we would grow old with. The person that we could lean on when things were tough, our best friends. We have every right to still feel lost while the rest of the world goes on with their everyday normal lives. We have lost our normal and in time will probably find a new normal but it will have to be in our time and our own way. You have every right to feel whatever it is that you feel.

Many hugs to you,
Tracie
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Reply by Mark99
14 Nov 2013, 12:53 PM

Hi all. I have written a rather long narrative on my grief and subsequent TBI following Donna's passing. Perhaps there is something in it that may help. "Caregiving, loss, grief, and recovery: A Journey

Mark

http://bioc.net/blog/2013/11/11/caregiving-loss-grief-and-recovery-a-journey.html
 
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