Another Challenge.

[overlander63]

I have again been remiss with my updates on Marie, and this update will, unfortunately, be the final one.
Over the course of the last 18 months or so, Marie's condition has slowly deteriorated, suffering several bacterial infections, less ability to move around and perform daily tasks, and increasing discomfort. In early March, Marie suffered a heart attack, and contracted yet another infection soon after being discharged from the hospital. She had to return to the hospital 4 days after discharge, was released to a nursing home for rehab, made another trip to the hospital, then returned to the nursing home. She was slowly improving with Physical Therapy at the nursing home, and as recently as Thursday afternoon was doing better, looking forward to joining several other patients in activities at the nursing home the next day (yesterday). I visited her Thursday evening, and she seemed in good spirits. She had managed to walk (assisted) the length of the hallway in front of her room, and other than the effort tiring her out, she was doing well. I gathered up her dirty laundry to take home and wash, planning to return yesterday with clean clothes for the week.
That was the last time I saw her alive.
At 12:30 yesterday morning, the phone rang. That is never something you want to happen when a loved one is in a place like a hospital or nursing facility. The nurse on the other end of the phone asked me to come to the nursing home, as Marie had passed away a few minutes earlier.

A few minutes later, I was at the nursing home, and confirmed what I had been told over the phone.

At her written request, we won't be having an official memorial service, and she further requested her body be donated for study, and cremated afterward, and written instructions as to what we do at that point.
Marie had many ailments, so if anybody would like to make a donation to any of the organizations in her name, such as the American Heart Association, Kidney Foundation, or Stroke Association (part of American Heart Association), it would be greatly appreciated.


Marie loved camping in our Airstreams over the years, meeting new and old friends at the events we attended, and looked forward to the next rally.


Till we see each other again.

[Hittenstiehl]

We wish you God's blessings and offer our sympathies on your great loss.

[GCinSC2]

Terry,

Our deepest sympathy to you and the family.

Marie did a generous last gesture I can relate a bit both of our mothers gave the same last gift.

Best wishes to all.

Regards,

Gary and Linda

[jcanavera]

Terry my sympathy to you. As one who lost my wife due to the effects of longer term Kidney failure, I know what you are going through. We had 46 years of marriage and Patty also loved traveling and the many folks we met on the road.

It will be a different life and like you those last years, many were spent as a care giver. My only advice is to remember and be thankful for your years with her. Thankfully I had a good friend those first years after she passed who kept me busy and didn't leave me sit home alone. I still have my trailer and get out whenever I can. I also work part time at a local grocery store which not only occupying some of my spare time but gives me some social exposure. It also affords me the ability to dictate what hours I want to work and allows me to take off time for travel. Grocery stores have some of the most flexible hours for seniors who want part time employment.

Prayers for you.

Jack

[Lily&Me]

I’m so sorry to hear that, Terry, and want for you that happy memories of your years with this sweet woman will comfort you.

Take care,

Maggie

[Wayne&Sam]

Condolences Terry.

[bweybright]

So sorry to hear...I know you have been dealing with things for awhile, and still helping folks out on this forum, as well as when at work. You are a saint and should not be afraid to ask for assistance from this forum group however it might be. We all owe it to you. I don't think there is anyone on this forum that would argue that. Don't be afraid to ask. We are here to help you.

[azflycaster]

Jan and I are deeply saddened by your loss.

[STREMN]

So sorry for your loss.

[pmclemore]

Another voice of deepest sympathies, Terry.

Pat

[Nelson428]

Sending prayers and condolences [emoji253] your way.

[switz]

I am very sorry that your life's companion has passed. I pray you will find peace in the near future.

[JoeHTP]

Terry,

Sorry for your loss,

Joe

[WellSaid11]

Very sorry for your loss.

[overlander63]

I've been debating with myself whether to post this. I penned it shortly after Marie passed away, and posted it on the social media site some of you may not belong to. Here is what I posted. Even though it's brief, and I knew what to write, it still took me a long time to put the words to electronic paper:


Life is a journey. If you are fortunate, you will meet someone special to share your journey, or at least a significant portion of it. I was very fortunate to have found someone to share over a quarter century with. Over mountains, through valleys, and quite a few unpaved roads, I wouldn't want to have shared the journey with anyone else. You were truly special, always putting others before you. I know in recent years, you'd been experiencing the trials of old age and poor health, but you still managed to keep a good attitude and positive outlook.
Marie Weston, I will miss you more than words can express.

[Lily&Me]

What a beautiful tribute to Marie, Terry.

She is smiling, she is at peace, and she was grateful to have found you, as well.

Take care,

Maggie

[reinergirl]

Terry, I’m not often on the forums lately but just had to express how sorry I am for your loss, you posted a beautiful tribute to Marie. You are lucky to have had each other….wishing you peace in a difficult time…

[GCinSC2]

I can’t find the like button.

Well done.

[Foiled Again]

Thank you Terry. You are of course right about Marie's positive attitude. Life dished out a lot of bad breaks to Marie, but she never let it touch her basic humanity, humor or hopefulness. Little things like going to Starbucks for lattes were a treat whenever I went with Marie. A rare human being indeed.

[Boondocker]

So sorry to hear this, Terry.