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My first full day as a widow. Mel died yesterday September 5 at 4:34 then was pronounced at 5:25 when his already off duty nurse made the trip back so we did not have to wait for on call nurse. He went peacefully on his Dilaudid drip. Chris and I were there holding his hands and at the end me listening with stethoscope and watching, we talked to him and played a favorite song Rockin' With Jesus written and sung by a dear friend. Later two dignified young men arrived, introduced themselves and had me sign removal permission. They carefully transferred him to the gurney and covered him with the shroud and American flag was draped over the shroud. They then turned and said, we are so sorry for your loss and handed me a perfect long stem red rose as they left.
My cousin Mike arrived just in time and has been watching over Chris and. I. In fact my handy man dropped by and right away MIke was there asking who he was before I reached the door. Mike will be my chauffer and guardian until after funeral. Tentative date September 15, my 70 th birthday. I'm ok with that because Mel promised to be here for my Birthday and he will be there.
Velda

Velda, I am so sorry but am happy Mel left peacefully. You did a wonderful job caring for him and Mel was blessed to have you there. I'm so glad Mike has arrived. Bless you, Velda and take care.

May Mel find this Thursday equally welcoming and peaceful. Our thoughts continue to be with you and your family. Wishing you some rest and enough energy and strength to make it through these days ahead of remembrances, celebration of Mel's life, grieving and taking care of the business of both the dying and the living.

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family, Velda. You are right to hold the 40 year memories close and not the last year or so ones. You are facing new challenges square on. Amazing how much there is to do, isn't it? This forum was my lifeline when I was in your shoes. It can be yours, too.

Pooker

Velda, I am so very sorry to read this, this morning. Crying here for you and your loss. So glad you have someone there to help you these first days. Keeping you and yours in my prayers. You'll find this forum and these ladies a real Blessing in the time ahead.

Thinking of you and I'm so sorry this day ever had to come for you and Mel
CArol

Velda, my sincerest condolences to you and to your family.

I weep with you.

May the coming days bring you peace.

Anne

Velda, so sorry for your loss. You and Mel will be in my thoughts as you go on with your new life. Take care of yourself. We are all here for you.

Velda I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mel. He is at peace now. Prayers are continuing for blessings for you and your family.

Linda

Velda, I'm so sorry and also so glad he was able to go peacefully with you by his side. Love and hugs to you and your son.

Velda, so sorry for your loss. I'm glad your cousin is there to help you.

Martha

Velda, I am so sorry for your loss.

Hugs and prayers for the days ahead. No matter how prepared we are, it is not easy, but can be exhausting. You have been a wonderful, loving caregiver.

My thoughts and prayers for you and family.

Your beautiful and sad post left me in tears. I was touched by the rose those men gave to you! That whole process was beautiful! Am so glad you and your son were able to be there with him for his last breath. And that your cousin showed up just in time to be very helpful for you now and the coming days, which will be very long and stressful.

And you are right, Mel will be there for his funeral on your birthday! My dad's funeral was on my older brother's 70th birthday too.

Several of the ladies on here have gone thru what you are going thru so they can give you a lot of support, as can the rest of us. Take care of yourself in this emotional time.

Velda my thoughts are with you today as your life will change for sure. Mel is out of pain, doctors, meds etc. I love that Hospice keeps them perfectly comfortable. I know my Mom was in no pain when she passed peacefully in the night. I actually did most of my grieving while I was taking care of her but the finality is still heartbreaking. Glad you have some support for your family, and of course we are always here for you too.