Because I have managed a seniors’ residence for several years, I have been asked many times how I could work in this environment, and not resent people who have lived to a ripe old age, when my husband had died in his early fifties. That question has always been ludicrous to me, I could never understand the thinking. Being surrounded by loving, compassionate men and women, who had suffered a similar loss in their life, was a great comfort. The support I received from those who really knew what I was facing was what pulled me through on many days.
We had recently purchased a new home, and were settling in nicely, when Phillip started feeling lethargic and out of sorts. After some tests, and a short stint in the hospital, we were given the horrible verdict. Cancer had invaded Phillip’s lungs, and he had a very short time to live. Needless to say, this was devastating news for our family, but my three sons and I rallied together and supported each other for the next several months, until the blessed end finally came.
To this day, when someone who has recently lost their spouse comes in for a tour, I feel a sense of kinship with them. I know that in some small sense, I can pay back all the love and support I was given at a dark time in my life, and I am honoured to be able to do so.
Comments