I have lost my beloved. He passed away two days ago after a long, slow decline from multiple disease sources. We met when I was 20 and he was 30, we married a year later and have been together ever since. Like many couples, we have been through hell and happy times. He was the person I most trusted in the world. I knew he would be serious when I needed that and know he felt the same about me.
His love was bigger than both of us. His ability to love me and most everyone else, and especially his dogs, was a powerful and healing force. This morning I was thinking about how his human imperfections were less than his ability to love.
His daughter and I were talking this morning about him. Most people saw him as a cut-up, a joker, a man that wanted to bring smiles to your face and laughter to your day. But he was a loner, the most social loner either she and I have ever known. He worried about people, about work, about if I was happy, about his parents, about everything. His care for everyone was something he could not overcome, and so he worried. He wanted people to be okay, to be happy and safe. He was also intensely private and, as such, never discussed the health problems he was having. Most people would never have known until the last few years.
Ron and I met at a disco nightclub (it was the 70's) in Asheville, NC. A mutual friend of ours introduced us, and we basically fell head over heels in love. His first words to me, "I think I could fall in love with you." And we did.
We moved to Florida, we moved to Illinois, we moved to Florida, and then finally to the mountains of east Tennessee. But he loved the beaches of Florida and the peace that only the ocean can bring. He will return there in the end.
In the event you wish to make a donation, there are two local animal rescue organizations. In Mountain City, TN: http://www.rescuedogandendoflifesanctuary.org/donations.html and in Western North Carolina: Horse Helpers of the High Country: http://www.rescuedogandendoflifesanctuary.org/donations.html
Visitation and memorial service will be on Monday, November 7 at Mountain City Funeral Home, http://www.mountaincityfh.com/ , from 5 to 7 p.m.
93 comments
Your memories shared of your beloved are beautiful and touching. Sending prayers to you for a heart healed by his love.
I’m so sorry Miss Babs. I lost my dh 3 years ago but he is still in my heart and head. Talking to him, thinking about him, especially what would he do in a situation that I need help. The love stays with you and is a huge comfort. Praying all the best for you now and in the future.
When I first read this entry some days ago I was moved very much – and in fact still am.
I feel very sorry for your loss and hope that it helps you to share the history of your love.
I’m so sorry. Writing has always helped me share and cope with my laughter and my tears. You wrote an amazing tribute. I hope it helped you, because it helped me. Thank you for sharing. All the best. Hugs.
Ms. Babs, I’m sorry for your loss. What a moving tribute to your husband and life partner, Ron. You are in my thoughts and prayers.