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 very sorry to hear of your loss. May his memory be eternal.
Your story brings tears to my eyes and a small smile to my lips. Although I have not met him, I feel I have a real sense of him. Bless you and yours. Prayers for the repose of his soul.
Such a romantic first sentence. May it give you comfort to feel all the ways he was there for you. This is a bummer. As I recall you slowed your pace to be with him this last year or more. Take good care of yourself. Look forward to seeing you again in a line holding your beautiful yarns. Thanks for giving us so much joy in your colors.
I am so sorry to read of your loss. Ron sounds like he was a wonderful man. I hope the memories you have of your time together will bring you comfort in the future.
Dear Miss Babs,
As I read your story, it really touched my heart. I am so sorry about your loss. I lost my husband 5 months ago, and my days without him are not getting better, and never will be the same. Our life goes on, we have to be strong.
Wishing you all the best, love, comfort in your life. If I can comfort you in any way, please send me a message.