You walk around the house
half the things you touch
are his
His toothbrushes
His clothes
His coffee mug
You think about moving
these things on
And the thought
Comes,
“but he might
need them”
And you remember
he’s lying
In hospice
He won’t need them.
He’s not coming
home, at least
Not to this home. The
one you can’t imagine
without him.
You throw the toothbrush
out, a first step, a baby step,
In the daunting tasks to come.
God bless you Barbara. Keeping you in my prayers. Peace and blessings.. Terri
Thank you Barb for sharing these deep and personal thoughts with us. I feel deeply touched by your writing. Prayers continue.
So glad you are writing. It keeps us connected. You are surrounded in prayers and love. Paula
And Amen. Love you dearly.
Take it slow and easy. Each of us process loss and grief in unique ways. Blessings, carol
Please take extra good care of Barbara Sliter. Much rest, ease and shifting to the place where you are one with God and all that is. Joseph is there as well and you will be able to relate on that miraculous deep spiritual level forever. Breath and go easy, slowly. Keep writing.
Love is the greatest power of all. eternal love Well done.
Dearest Barb,
I just read about the death of Joseph. Ken and I are so sorry. I am so sad, my words cannot say. I am not a person of words , just images. What you wrote was so, so, beautiful, spiritual and moving for me. I pictured the sadness of each word in my mind as you wrote it. None of us can even imagine, loosing, our partner, soul mate, and best fiend until it happens to us. Only Mary Ellen knows. Our mothers knew. Kathy and I do not yet,we do not walk in your shoes, but we will. Now you know , you have on the shoes of the sorrowful widows of the ages. I hope with your profession and all the training you’ve had , you might know how to proceed better than others. That won’t bring back your beloved. But you and your beloved Joseph are in each other, with all the things you have done: loving, sharing, traveling, family, laughter, crying, fun, being vegans, cooking, hiking, cats, yard work, working on your house, technology, weaving, working, shopping, cars, reading, repairs,caring for each other, and things I don’t even know about you and Joseph. You have been together a long time, longer than most couples today. That was and is your gift to each other. What a great time you had together. L love your Barbara, your cousin, Mary Ann
Dear cousin Barbara,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Joe was a wonderful person and I know the two of you had a beautiful life together. I have not seen any of you since I was in Cincinnati. I miss being able to see my mom’s side of the family. I remember taking my kids all the time to see Helen in the nursing home. My prayers go out to you at this time and I hope to be able to see you again. I will be thinking about you often. Love your cousin Emily
Dear Barbara, So sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband Joe. He is at peace now . No more suffering. May God bless you and keep you strong through this difficult time. Sincerely, Marilyn Karpinski