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
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and family. This is a tough time of year. Take care of yourself
My prayers are with you and your family. You were blessed to have found each other and to share such a love. XO
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband/life partner. What a beautiful tribute you give in writing about the love you two shared. Quite a testament to the maturing of love over time.
Thank you and all best wishes for grace and serenity to you and his daughter at this trying time.
Beautiful tribute. A love so strong that endures forever and will carry you through until you’re together again in heaven. May God continue to bless you and your family during this time.
What a beautiful tribute to your beloved husband. I am so very sorry for your loss. I have been widowed for over 4 years now, and I know there are no magic words to help. My heart hurts for you.
Your “Prevailing Love” gradient set has a special place in my heart. When I read the description, I was so moved. I volunteer for Soaring Spirits International, a support organization for widowed persons. I plan to use this set to make gifts for some of my fellow volunteers … and pass on your beautiful message of prevailing love. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.