How life can change in the turn of a sixpence

My sympathies to all the people here who have lost someone close. I also find it difficult hearing about how long we are all living when so many people do die younger. My husband died in his 50s, as did other family members, including my mother.
This week I attended the funeral of a school friend who died of cancer in her mid 60s. I really intended to get together with her now we are both retired but time slipped by, she became ill and it did not happen. We were so close when young, doing everything together, including holidays, it has hit me harder than losing other family members.

I agree with the sentiments of all who sieze the day.

This is how I got my MS diagnosis.

I went out one Christmas eve for last minute look round. Husband and I were happily meandering around the shops.
I woke up in hospital on 6th January.
I remember nothing after being in the shops and next I know it was the 6th of January. The days inbetween I have no recollection of.

I was paralysed, unable to move and in the severe stroke unit hooked up to all sorts.
Not even able to press the bell for a nurse.
My first physio session was trying to raise my head from the bed.
I spent seven months in hospital with wonderful help, learning everything again as if i was a very weak baby.
Went home in a wheelchair.

So ladies and any gentlemen on here, everything can change in an instant. There is no warning, enjoy your life and be calm and loving to those important people in your life , including yourself.

Very wise words from OP and everyone else.
Hannah, what a tragic loss, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Also to others who have lost their loved ones.
We lost my sister and my husbands father (my FIL) within five months.

It seems that a lot of us have been in very difficult and sad circumstance.
When I was thirteen years old one of our group of friends was hit and killed by a drunk driver jumping the red light. It happened right outside his mums bakery, she ran out to see what the disturbance was and saw her only son dead and one of his legs missing, the driver didn't stop.
She never got over it and shut herself in her house, keeping his bedroom the same for decades, until she herself died.

At eighteen I lost another friend, found dead in bed by his mum, he died from meningitis..
It scared me rigid that two lively boys could suddenly be gone.
I had a happy healthy life for many years , but then when my youngest son was ten I was diagnosed with MS.

Very wise words from OP and everyone else.
Hannah, what a tragic loss, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Also to others who have lost their loved ones.
We lost my sister and my husbands father (my FIL) within five months.

It seems that a lot of us have been in very difficult and sad circumstance.
When I was thirteen years old one of our group of friends was hit and killed by a drunk driver jumping the red light. It happened right outside his mums bakery, she ran out to see what the disturbance was and saw her only son dead and one of his legs missing, the driver didn't stop.
She never got over it and shut herself in her house, keeping his bedroom the same for decades, until she herself died.

At eighteen I lost another friend, found dead in bed by his mum, he died from meningitis..
It scared me rigid that two lively boys could suddenly be gone.
I had a happy healthy life for many years , but then when my youngest son was ten I was diagnosed with MS.

Very wise words from OP and everyone else.
Hannah, what a tragic loss, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Also to others who have lost their loved ones.
We lost my sister and my husbands father (my FIL) within five months.

It seems that a lot of us have been in very difficult and sad circumstance.
When I was thirteen years old one of our group of friends was hit and killed by a drunk driver jumping the red light. It happened right outside his mums bakery, she ran out to see what the disturbance was and saw her only son dead and one of his legs missing, the driver didn't stop.
She never got over it and shut herself in her house, keeping his bedroom the same for decades, until she herself died.

At eighteen I lost another friend, found dead in bed by his mum, he died from meningitis..
It scared me rigid that two lively boys could suddenly be gone.
I had a happy healthy life for many years , but then when my youngest son was ten I was diagnosed with MS.

Jane yes indeed. Sadly things can change so quickly. So we must seize each day.

What a positive post Jane. Things don't always change for the worst. So sorry to hear of your sad loss Hannah. I miss my sister's terribly and often wonder what kind of life they could have had if they had been born healthy. At least their deaths were expected. What a shock for you and your family, but such a brave sister to hold in your heart forever.

Lovely positive post Jane

I'm so sorry to read the very sad stories of love and sudden loss on this thread. Sincere condolences.
However, sometimes, at the turn of sixpence, life can suddenly improve beyond measure. In my case the news of our impending first grandchild opened up a whole new avenue of life to us. A new person to love, new birthday parties stretching into the future, another place at the table at Christmas, songs to sing and stories to tell. That happens too on the turn of a sixpence.

Deepest sympathy Hannah and indeed to others on here.

Pageturner its hard not to think about who will go first, how will the other one cope or feel. It is often there with us unspoken. Pain becomes a part of life to a lesser or greater degree. Everything is uncertain. No wonder alcohol consumption is high among older folk! All we can do is enjoy each day, tell each other - and our friends and family- that we love them. But I do wonder sometimes..why?

My heart goes out to all of you for the loss of family and friends dear to you. I find myself thinking about how long me and my DH have until one or both of has serious health problems. Not something I should dwell upon because it is depressing. Enjoying each day whether we are at home or out and about is the key.

for all whose sixpence has turned leaving them a little sadder than before.

Hannahlois what a terrible shock for you. I am so desperately sorry, I can’t imagine how you must be feeling.

In my dance group three of us have become widows in the last year. This time last year, none of us could have imagined losing our husbands within the year. We continue dancing but one of the ladies used to dance with her husband and it's sad to see her coming on her own now.

Lost a good friend this week to cancer at 57. That, and these stories here make me so sad that, with the retirement age going up and up so many people are going to miss out on the time to themselves they deserve after a lifetimes work.

When my sister was very ill recently one of my daughters arranged a family get-together because, she said, it had brought home to her that I wouldn’t live forever.
I am older but much fitter than my sister and there’s still so much I want to do. Ican’t afford to do any of them and wish that sixpence would turn and give me a fortune while I’m able to spend it!

(((hugs))) callgirl.

Hannah I'm sorry for your loss and, as kate said, thank you for being brave enough to tell us.

Some of you will know that my eldest son had a life changing stroke at the age of 35. He had to change countries, initially live with us, his wife left him and he is unable to work but he is now living independently, has done an MA, written and self published an autobiography, has lots of voluntary roles, has regained his fitness (if not complete mobility) and has a good social life. Now all we need is a new wife for him.

His life changed in an instant but he has a good and happy, if different, life again.

Condolences to Hannah and {flowers} to you all, life is so hard and unfair at times.

How absolutely dreadful Hannahlois It puts things into perspective.

So sad to read these posts of loss; the price of love is very high.

Thank you all for your kind messages.

So sorry HannahLoisLuke.
20 months ago, a few weeks after our 53rd wedding anniversary, my husband died. He`d suffered ill health for 3 years previously, but was finally coming out on top, then he became poorly, was admitted to hospital with a bowel blockage, and less than a month later he died.
I`m not too badly off financially, have had a few jobs done on the house, but cannot stop this feeling of almost constant misery, whilst trying to appear cheerful to my kids, who have been amazingly helpful. My eldest daughter is still at home, she`s disabled with rheumatoid arthritis, can hardly walk or do much for herself, but then again I`m not much use to her, as I`m not too mobile myself, and every time I move something hurts. I do try not to be full of self pity, and know that there are many worse off than me, but it`s so hard at times.

What you really are saying is make the most of today and every day that comes because the future will always be uncertain.

Hannah Lois, I send my condolences.