need help dealing with my husband's death
20 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (26)
- 20 years ago
- 20 years ago
Related Discussions
Sudden death of husband of 34 yrs
Comments (13)While I was at my daughter's I did alot of reflecting on our marriage and wrote a lot of memories in my journal. The hardest part about being at my daughter's was sitting at the table with an empty chair staring me in the face that Ed should have been sitting in and also when we went to Estes Park walking around the shops I wanted to hold his hand like the other couples but his hand wasn't there for me to take and it never will be again. I also asked myself in our marriage who needed the other person more? I leaned on Ed for companionship and security. When we were in crowds I'd only feel comfortable if I was with Ed. Carrying on a converstaion with others was hard for me, but Ed could talk to anyone about anything and if I was with him I felt part of the conversation without saying a word. I may have made the everyday decisions but we talked about big decisions together until we agreed. At which point Ed thought out how to make it happen. There were usually compromises made on one of our parts, who compromised the most I don't know. But when it came to large purchases for the house I wanted Ed to enjoy it too & I didn't think it was that important to force my view or it was easier for me to give in than to decide what I really wanted. Also in our marriage I was the one who took charge, I planned and made lists and I'd give Ed a list of things he needed to do so whatever was planned would be accomplished. Whether it was one of the many times we moved, a holiday or just company coming for dinner. In reality I think he didn't care because then he didn't have to make a decision. The only time he didn't like things planned out was on vacation or day trips and we still had great times. I used to think this was a weakness but realized it was because he valued and trusted my opinion and judgement more than I realized. I tried to make a list of things I liked, but all I could think of was things Ed liked because it seems that is what we usually ended up doing or we compromised and thinking back than neither of us really got what we wanted. My biggest question was concerning my lack of being able to show emotions, as I may have mentioned because of my crying my children are now seeing a side of their mother they never knew existed. My mother used to say of all of her children I was the only one who didn't want to be cuddled. Ed was the compassionate one. I wonder can an emotionless person drain the emotions out of another person so that person could no longer show the other person emotion? Another thing I realized was that we had been in a mostly contented phase of our marriage until I started a new job in Oct of 2008. At which time I became very discontented and frustrated and I thought that is was because of Ed, when actually it was the responsibilities of the job. I wasn't used to the pressurers of that type of job and I took it out on him. Why is it we don't see our circumstances this clearly until it's too late? I hate the struggle between my heart, that wants to remember only the wonderful loving person he was a long time ago and my head that keeps reminding me of how miserable we both had been these past years. Which do I listen to? I realized I had to listen to both and continue with this conflict until I can make the two into the truth. I have to remind myself it's only been seven weeks. Again, thank you for letting me give a voice to my grief. Karen Anniebear I'm so sorry about your friend. I hope you continue gardening and don't give up on wanting to be a Master Gardener it is very rewarding. I also hope you will complete your project, keep us all up to date on its progress. Most important wish your husband a Happy Birthday from all of us. I was writing some information on my calendar this evening and turned to December and saw the Anniversary sticker I had placed on the date of what would have been our 35th Anniversary and I bawled because he won't be there to celebrate it with me ever again....See MoreHelping Mom Deal with death of husband
Comments (2)I am so sorry to hear that your dad passed away. I know what your mother is going through and you are grieving too. You don't say if you are living with your mom or if she is on her own. Yes, she will go through, what I called my Jekle and Hyde times. I live alone so I can't take it out on anyone else. You mom has to work through this herself because no one else can do it for her. If she hasn't gone for grief counselling that is a very good option, it helped me a lot. I mentioned above that you are also going through your own grief and maybe you could mention that to her very gently. I have been widowed for 4 years next month and I can tell you that it gets easier but it never goes away, you and your mom have to cope with it in your own way. Be there for her and ask her to be there for you. God Bless. Mav...See MoreHelp Needed to Honor My Husband and Caretaker
Comments (1)Sarah, your love really shines through! What a heartfelt testimony. I pray you find the help you are seeking. Mike must be a truly amazing man!...See MoreI need help arranging this furniture. My husband needs a functional b
Comments (56)Susan, the configuration is better, but I still get that you are not happy with it. Sometimes comfort out ranks aesthetics and if you have to put everything back the way you had it, then what can you do. The fact is that you have a very challenging room layout for the type of furniture you have and the added limitations on how to arrange it. In reality, the room is only large enough for two comfy recliners or a love seat and one small chair. I am so sorry that I am out of suggestions. I hope someone can come up with a workable solution for you. Good luck! :-)...See More- 20 years ago
- 20 years ago
- 20 years ago
- 20 years ago
- 19 years ago
- 19 years ago
- 19 years ago
- 19 years ago
- 18 years ago
- 18 years ago
- 18 years ago
- 17 years ago
- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
- 15 years ago
Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDESAre Ceiling Fans the Kiss of Death for Design?
Ceiling fans get a bad rap for being clunky and outdated, but these streamlined styles and a bevy of pros beg to differ
Full Story
THE ART OF ARCHITECTUREFrei Otto Named 2015 Pritzker Prize Winner a Day After His Death
Architecture’s highest honor is awarded to the German architect who designed stadium roof canopies for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDES5 Ways DIY Remodels Get Derailed — and How to Deal
Keep your remodel on track by knowing the potential pitfalls ahead of time
Full Story
PETSHow to Help Your Dog Be a Good Neighbor
Good fences certainly help, but be sure to introduce your pup to the neighbors and check in from time to time
Full Story
DECLUTTERINGDownsizing Help: How to Edit Your Belongings
Learn what to take and what to toss if you're moving to a smaller home
Full Story
MOST POPULAR9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire
Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community
Full Story
SELLING YOUR HOUSEHelp for Selling Your Home Faster — and Maybe for More
Prep your home properly before you put it on the market. Learn what tasks are worth the money and the best pros for the jobs
Full Story
SELLING YOUR HOUSE10 Low-Cost Tweaks to Help Your Home Sell
Put these inexpensive but invaluable fixes on your to-do list before you put your home on the market
Full Story
COLORPick-a-Paint Help: How to Quit Procrastinating on Color Choice
If you're up to your ears in paint chips but no further to pinning down a hue, our new 3-part series is for you
Full Story
PETS6 Ways to Help Your Dog and Landscape Play Nicely Together
Keep your prized plantings intact and your dog happy too, with this wisdom from an expert gardener and dog guardian
Full StorySponsored
Leading Interior Designers in Columbus, Ohio & Ponte Vedra, Florida
sassyk54