Oh KW, I'm so sorry for your loss! You and your children will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. From your writing, he sounds like a lovely person who enriched the lives of all who knew him. I hope remembering all his many wonderful qualities will ease your pain --

KW, I'm also so very sorry about your husband's sudden passing. Do any of your children live close by to keep you company?

I wish I had some words of wisdom or even comforting words to say, but there are none at a time like this except to say we're here for you.

I am so very sorry for your loss. Losing a spouse is surely devastating, and then losing him suddenly and unexpectedly - I can't imagine what you are going through.

Kitchenwitch - I am so very sorry for your loss and for the pain that you now have. What a dear man your husband was. I am deeply touched by your story, for there was and is so much love in your family. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Kitchenwitch, I am so sorry about the death of your husband. I know how it is; mine died at 48, completely unexpectedly, too. Take your time to move through your grief, cry when you need to, with no apologies...it was a couple of years before I felt somewhat normal again. I had a terrible time sleeping and wanted my doc to prescribe something to just help me fall asleep, but she kept trying to give me anti-depressants. I refused because I was SUPPOSED to feel depressed for a while. So I'd say be cautious of medicating your grief away - it's kind of in fashion to do that these days.

And, if at all possible, don't make any decisions about anything significant for a good long while. Eventually, things do look different and your feelings will change, too. All my best to you.

My condolences to you Kitchenwitch. You must still feel raw and I can only imagine how your days must be. Thank you for telling us. May his memory be for blessing.

I am so sorry for your loss. Your hubby sounded like an amazing man, and a wonderful dad. Your children were lucky to have him. Being a step parent is perhaps the hardest job in the world, and it sounds like he did it with a wide open heart.
Sending out thoughts of healing and strength during this difficult time.

Wonderful, wise words, Olychick! I am sorry to learn that you too, have suffered such an ordeal. You show us that after much heartache, and many puddles of tears, one does learn a new way of living, one does rebuild. Still, I would imagine that even though it may be many years now since you lost your husband, you still mourn his absence.

How could anyone possibly ever "get over" the loss of a love? We forever bear a wound on our hearts, but it is from our woundedness that love, sensitivity and compassion can spring.

We must remember that when we plant a seed of hope, even in the darkness, we can trust that one day, when the time is right, new growth will emerge.

Kitchenwitch, I am so very sorry for your loss. Hold on to your wonderful memories. I hope your children are nearby to help you through this.

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

I am so sorry.

ML

My heart is very heavy tonight after reading your post. I am so sorry for your loss and for Olychick, too. I will say a prayer for you and your family.

And stinky-gardner, well said.

I am so sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. What a shock it must have been. The worst part of such an unexpected death is not being able to say goodbye. It is harder for the ones left behind. You have my deepest sympathy.

I am so sorry, kitchenwitch. You have my sincere sympathy.

Sherry

Thank you SG...love the gardening metaphor.

KW, I am so sorry for your loss.

Beth P.

I am so sorry. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

My husband--very physically active in sports and other activity, and a clean bill of health with a recent state of the art imaging for arteries with no blockages, died in his sleep from cardiac arrest while we were out of the country on vacation. We were just entering the empty nest stage of life.

It has been two and a half years and I still can't believe it, either. I think we will always feel this way to some degree.

I will add you to my every growing prayer list and I hope you receive comfort from friends and family, and garner the strength you will need to face the future.

I am more of a lurker here than anything else but I do want you to know KW that my thoughts are with you and your loved ones. There are going to be good and bad days for quite awhile. I do know this for sure as I lost my husband of 49 yrs. about 3+ yrs. ago and I think of him still so much. Life goes on for sure but I think at just a different pace and with plenty of thought to the years of fun and love you shared together. Wake up each day and decide if it is going to be a good day or a bad day, it's okay to sit and cry but when you're done move on for that day. There are so many wonderful things in your life, please stay positive and live. Grieving will continue but just at a slower pace as the weeks become months and months become years. I wish you love and blessings and try to be happy and remember he loved you.

KW,please accept my heartfelt condolences on your terrible loss. It is not just about losing your spouse, but also your partner, your friend, your teammate, and the person who believes in you most. Although things will never be the same, I hope as time passes that you will have more days of wonderful memories that comfort you and allow you to remember with joy. He sounds like a wonderful man.

My husband is 54, has sleep apnea that is being treated, but also has 12 stents in his heart. I don't worry, because none of us can live like that, but posts like this do give me pause.

May I also extend my condolences to all of you who have lost your spouse or significant other. It is a group that no one chooses to join, but one that seems to always be so loving and giving and helpful to those who have experienced that same loss. You are all strong, amazing women.

My heart goes out to you and your family . I am just getting caught up so didn't see this until today. I know that losing someone you love is the hardest thing in the world. I will send wishes for your strength to be increased to help you bear this sorrow. c

KW -- I am so very sorry for your loss of your dearest love! Sending along many many hugs ....

i am so sorry for your loss.

Thank you all so much. The support and caring I've gotten from so many people has been very comforting. My son and daughter are not far away and I have great family and friends and that is such a blessing. My two sweet cats are unusually attentive. Everyone is looking out for me.

I don't have any problems sleeping, thank goodness, and I'm not normally a depressed person, just so sad right now, and that's natural. I can function, so I'm not taking any medications, although they have been offered to me. As if a pill could fix this! Going for a run and working in the garden is more for me. I'm thankful that it's summertime.

I'm sorry for all of you that are members of this terrible club. I've been told by many that grieving happens differently for everyone, so I have no expectations. I never really knew what "one day at a time" actually meant, but I'm living it now. It's too overwhelming to look down the road.

My business trip next week is a kitchen design conference that I was invited to a few months ago. I'm looking at it as a break and a change of scenery, and something else to focus on. I'll be away from the computer for a few days, but I will check in as I can.

Thank you for all your kind thoughts,words and prayers
Jean

Kitchenwitch, (and I love your name), I join so many others in sending my sincere condolences.

I am so glad that you had 15 wonderful years with your DH, and that your children had his love in their lives as well. You did well picking a man who would love your children too.

I hope the business trip goes well. I know your heart won't be in it, so the best I can hope for for you is that it is successful in terms of bringing in those summer paychecks you need.

Keep your sweet memories of your DH close to your heart, and be patient and kind to yourself.

Kitchenwitch, I'm so sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family.

I am very sorry for your loss. I hope your conference gives you the break you need.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. This business trip will be just the ticket to keep you busy.

I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find continued strength in the memories you have.

I add my condolences. I am so sorry you are going through this. I pray that you and your family will find comfort in your memories and each other. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

tina

I don't often post over here, but wanted to extend my utmost condolences. I wish you peace in the days and weeks to come.

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I want to thank you for posting this. My husband's dr. recommended a sleep study for him 2 years ago because he is pretty sure he has apnea, and he still hasn't done it. He will be 50 next month, and I am going to insist he goes in for the study after reading your heartbreaking news.

I am sending prayers up for you and your children.

Jana

I've been away from GW for a bit, but want to add my belated condolences. It's good that you have close family and friends to comfort you, and your upcoming conference to provide a distraction for a while. I wish you peace and strength.

KW, I am so sorry for your loss and am glad you popped in to share with us. T&Ps for you and your family. Glad to know you have extra love from your kitties and your kids when you need it most.

Kitchenwitch, I once read a line that has stayed with me. "Death ends a life, not a relationship." I hope you find comfort in your memories of the wonderful, giving loving person your husband clearly was to you and your children. May you keep on, as you say, one day at a time until the days seem brighter than they do now.

Ann

kitchenwitch, I am so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. There are no words.

I want you to know that your message frightened me because I stopped wearing my cpap machine for the last month. I have severe obstructive apnea. So tonight I rinsed out the compartment and will wear it-and thus my apnea will be treated. I will go to bed with a bit more confidence that there is nothing more I can do and that I am again following doctor's orders. The fact that you shared your awful news with us may have saved my life. Thank you.

I agree, there are no words. I am so sorry for your loss. I do appreciate you sharing and hope that your GW "family" can bring you some comfort.

It is a reminder for all of us not to take for granted our loved ones.

I've been reading the responses and I want to cut and paste everything people have written and put it here. I'm not good with words and I always have trouble when I want to express condolence but am never satisfied with the words that come out. It never seems enough because I want to take away the pain and make it all better. Only time, memories, and a support system will be able to do that. Thankfully it sounds like you have that...children, friends, work, even the garden to help you get through each day. I'm very sorry you lost your partner so young and so sudden. Carry on in his memory and do all the things he would want you to do...as the saying goes, "live life for both of us".

I was touched that you felt a comfort in sharing this sad news with this forum, and equally moved by the responses. I wish you healing filled with wonderful memories.

I am so sorry for the loss of your cherished husband.

At a time like this, saying "I'm sorry" doesn't seem enough to convey my feelings of sympathy.
I pray you find solace and comfort from your friends and family and the fact that you had a wonderful life together.

Peace,
Mona

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved. May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Jean, thank you so much for posting your update. I have been thinking of you so often and will continue to do so.

Just seeing this now & want to join the chorus of support & comfort for you, kitchenwitch. I hope you won't be shy about posting again if you need an online hug or word of encouragement. We are here for you.

Still in my thoughts.

I too am so sorry for your loss. You husband sounds like a great guy. When I read the first words of your post I knew. I also have severe sleep apnea. I have been educating myself on what can happen if it is left untreated. I have wanted to give up many times. Sleep apnea is so under-diagnosed, when you hear someone has died in their sleep, that is usually the underlying cause. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Another gw friend just wanting to say you are in my thoughts.

Well, it's 12:30 a.m and I too have problems sleeping. Reading about your loss brought tears to my eyes thinking of your husband. I have no idea what emotions your feeling but want you to know that I send my good thoughts and prayers your way. We never really know what will happen . . . my husband's the same age. Do post again when you feel up to it. I hope your trip at least helps distract you from the sorrow you are feeling even if it's just a little bit.