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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

Redhead56 Sun 22-Feb-26 23:06:44

FGT your DH is free from pain now sleeping silently. He has not gone as he is with you and your family. Your wonderful memories will be in your hearts forever.X

Dontcallmelove Sun 22-Feb-26 23:08:33

Deepest sympathies on your bereavement. It sounds like your DH loved you very much. I hope you can take comfort and strength from that love.

Wyllow3 Sun 22-Feb-26 23:15:52

Oh my, FGT, I am so, so, very sorry to hear your news. I'm glad you told your farewell story. What a lovely man. flowers

SunshineSally Sun 22-Feb-26 23:23:15

Oh FGT I’m so very sorry to read this. Sending heartfelt hugs and much love to you all 🥀 xx

Litterpicker Sun 22-Feb-26 23:33:58

You have been a devoted and courageous wife to your man. It is good to hear that he did not suffer pain in his last days.
Thoughts and prayers with you and your family 🥀🌈

Oldbutstilluseful Sun 22-Feb-26 23:43:09

I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband and send my sincere condolences at this very sad news. I wish you and your little family strength and comfort in the days ahead

67notout Sun 22-Feb-26 23:52:28

Oh my, so very sad to read this. He sounds like a wonderful man and he’s left you with his strength to carry on, not in the same way but still with his love and wisdom. Tough times ahead, don’t push yourself though. Hugs

Pigma Sun 22-Feb-26 23:52:47

Don’t post often but read along and wanted to say I am so, so sorry to read your sad news. Heartfelt condolences to you and your family flowers

Stilllearning Mon 23-Feb-26 00:06:13

FGT, I can only echo the outpouring of love and sympathy which so many people have expressed. Your posts talking about your life and holidays in your ‘happy place’ with your ‘dear man’ have touched so many people and all these messages are a tribute to that. Like many others I have remembered you both as you have travelled this last path together and I truly wish you the strength you need now💐

Curlywhirly Mon 23-Feb-26 00:07:43

So very sorry to hear this sad news FGT my Mum had esophageal cancer and I know from experience how difficult it is to see a loved one suffer from this dreadful illness. Himself is now no longer suffering and I hope that you take comfort in the many happy memories you shared. Thinking of you. thanks

Eloethan Mon 23-Feb-26 00:45:12

So sorry to hear your sad news. I hope you can get some comfort from remembering a good marriage and happy times.

fancyflowers Mon 23-Feb-26 01:44:59

I am sorry to hear your sad news. It's good that your husband wasn't in pain during his last days. You sound as if you were such a devoted wife to him.
He would not want you to be unhappy. You need to give it enough time, being very kind to yourself.

GrandmasueUK Mon 23-Feb-26 01:55:44

So very sorry to hear your sad news. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I hope you too can be at peace and rest at last in the love of your family. flowers

Allsorts Mon 23-Feb-26 04:39:08

You have my deapest sympathy FGT, the love you shared will go on, it never goes. He is out of pain now. Be kind to yourself
and take your time.

Macaydia Mon 23-Feb-26 05:34:07

FGT, I am so overwhelmed to read your post. Please take care and try to get nutritional nourishment each day, even if just a meal replacement drink etc... Sleep a lot, walk some if you are able. Rest and journal letters to your dear if it makes things easier. Know you are loved by him and your GNters wrap our arms of condolences around your tired soul.

Greendress Mon 23-Feb-26 05:38:06

So very sorry to hear your sad news FGT. Sending hugs and my deepest sympathy

Grran Mon 23-Feb-26 06:00:54

Sending love to you FGT.

barmcake Mon 23-Feb-26 06:03:00

Deepest sympathy. I know nothing can ease the pain just now but your dear husband is now at peace.

karmalady Mon 23-Feb-26 06:13:42

Love and strength to you FGT I am so sorry

RosesandLilac Mon 23-Feb-26 06:36:29

So sorry FGT, sending you my love and hugs x

Marzipan22 Mon 23-Feb-26 07:02:21

I'm so sorry. 🌹

'Say not good night, but in some brighter clime bid me good morning.'

NanKate Mon 23-Feb-26 07:09:16

How dreadfully sad. Your special man is now at Peace. Sending my condolences 💐

madeleine45 Mon 23-Feb-26 07:28:57

Dear FGT
I send you my condolences and prayers for peace now.

Oopsadaisy1 Mon 23-Feb-26 07:38:10

So very sorry to hear your sad news.
Sending love and hugs to you and your family.

Marydoll Mon 23-Feb-26 07:41:51

Sending love to you and your family. ♥️