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Bereavement

RIP Himself 💙

(239 Posts)
FriedGreenTomatoes2 Sun 22-Feb-26 17:30:02

My darling husband of 52 years died in the hospice yesterday afternoon.

My heart is broken today.

This bravest of men suffered dreadfully with progression of his oesophageal cancer these last 10 months I can’t begin to tell you what he had to endure.

He was admitted to the Christie early in January and thence by ambulance to hospice for his last two weeks of life. I stayed by his side for this past month, sleeping in a recliner chair by his bedside.

My overwhelming emotion at present is relief that he has been released from his struggle. He had 3 oesophageal stents in situ. I am glad that he wasn’t in any pain at the end of his life.

That was always his biggest fear and I’m so grateful he was at least spared that fate.

He once promised me, months ago now, that when he died he was going to “take all this sadness with me and leave you to the joy of living”.

I’m holding you to that promise my most brave and valiant man. My life will never be the same, I will miss you so very much, but I will try my very best to stay strong ~ as you urged me be. 💕

Thank you to all who have kept us in your hearts and prayers during this pilgrimage. I’ve read GN most days and know how blessed I have been to have so much outpouring of friendship and love. I’ve been quite humbled to be honest. Xxx

grandMattie Sun 22-Feb-26 19:02:46

My dear FGT, I’m so sad for you and your family. There is nothing I can say, except it gets “less worse” with time. The hole is never filled but it gets bearable.
Listen to Himself’s request.
Hundreds of hugs, etc.
I’m here should you need me. Xxx🦩🦩🦩🦩

Scribbles Sun 22-Feb-26 19:04:39

I am so sorry. Sending you love.

GrannyIvy Sun 22-Feb-26 19:05:17

I am so sorry and sad to hear your news. Sending love and my very sincere condolences to you and all your family x

monk08 Sun 22-Feb-26 19:05:58

Condolences FGT to you and your family 🙏flowers

hollysteers Sun 22-Feb-26 19:07:33

I echo Grandmafrench and have been thinking of you and Himself going through this most difficult time, which many of us here understand so well.
Sincere condolences to you and all your family 🙏🏻

Chrissielou Sun 22-Feb-26 19:10:38

I am so sorry for your loss. May the love of your family bring you comfort at this dreadful time.

Smintie Sun 22-Feb-26 19:11:31

I am so very sorry xx

Dickens Sun 22-Feb-26 19:13:04

I knew, when I no longer saw your posts on topics where you'd normally appear.

Last August, I was where you are now. It's overwhelming...

Himself's existence was part of your reality, the better the love, the sharper the grief.

My most sincere condolences FGT. x

Deedaa Sun 22-Feb-26 19:15:34

I know I have often disagreed with you about things, but I am so sorry to hear this. One of my oldest friends died of this cancer and it is a horrible thing. It's six years now since my husband died, and it does get easier, but it's such a huge part of your life gone.

Jalyn Sun 22-Feb-26 19:18:34

So sorry for your loss xx

M0nica Sun 22-Feb-26 19:19:48

My deepest sympathy. For all of us fortunate enough to be happily married. The knowledge that one day there will only be one of us is the greatest fear that hangs over us. You have lost the fear, but must live with the reality.

Someone said that grief is the price we pay for love. Remember that when the grief is at iits worst.

JamesandJon33 Sun 22-Feb-26 19:22:34

Whichever God you look to, God Bless cariad

AGAA4 Sun 22-Feb-26 19:25:01

So sorry FGT. I have been there too. Your friends and family will be your strength in the time to come. 🥀

LadyGracie Sun 22-Feb-26 19:26:43

FGT, I’ve been thinking and praying for you both each day.

My most sincere condolences xxx

Grandmadinosaur Sun 22-Feb-26 19:33:13

I’m so very sorry to read this news FGT

Your dear man is at peace now having fought so very bravely. Take comfort in that you were fortunate to have a wonderfully happy marriage and a treasure of a husband. As others say take of yourself now too. 💐

RIP Himself

twiglet77 Sun 22-Feb-26 19:34:20

My condolences on the sad loss of your husband. I do hope you are comforted that he had excellent hospice care at the end.

sodapop Sun 22-Feb-26 19:35:34

So sorry to hear your very sad news Friedgreentomatoes2 your husband must have been a very kind and caring man. My thoughts and sympathies are with you.thanks

ixion Sun 22-Feb-26 19:38:49

I am so sorry to learn this, FGT.
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time💐

Melanie61 Sun 22-Feb-26 19:40:36

So sorry for your loss , my deepest sympathies flowers

Allira Sun 22-Feb-26 19:43:53

I have been thinking about you, and am so sorry to hear the sad news about your beloved husband, FGT2 and send you and your family my deepest condolences. flowers

His words to you are wonderful, hold them close and remember them always.
He once promised me, months ago now, that when he died he was going to “take all this sadness with me and leave you to the joy of living”.
What a generous, kind and lovely thought. He must have been a very special man.

Purplepixie Sun 22-Feb-26 19:44:56

Condolences. Hugs my dear friend. Xx

Doodle Sun 22-Feb-26 19:45:53

Dear FGT I’m so sorry. I have been thinking about you and praying for you both. I know only too well how much it hurts to lose your lifelong love and I’m saddened for you.
Sending you a gentle hug. You have so many friends here who will support you.
You know where I am if you want to talk. Much love and sympathy.

Horatia Sun 22-Feb-26 19:46:28

Very sorry to read your post. Sincere condolences

Ilovepuffins Sun 22-Feb-26 19:48:20

I am so sorry to read your sad news.
Thinking of you and your family.

Cossy Sun 22-Feb-26 19:50:59

FGT There are no words to properly describe either your pain or my empathy.

Please accept my very sincere condolences and know your friends and fellow Gransnetters send their love and sincere best wishes flowers 🫶