The following few lines were from my post on August 28 on Facebook:
My husband, my lover, my friend...I have missed his presence all day. He slipped away at the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center this morning at 5:05 while Maggie and I slept near him. Thank you all for your loving support over the last 16 months as I cared for him...while at the same time knowing I was loosing him. Caring for him though very difficult at times, taught me much about compassion for another and much about myself. It was the hardest, most frustrating, and the most loving thing I have ever done. I love you Richard Rodi...
And my life has changed as his is no more. How does that even make any sense? My husband of 49 years passed away on the early morning of August 28. It is four weeks today. I wear four bracelets to remember...like I would ever forget. There are details of course from that previous blog post where I knew we were on our way yet I could not grasp it...right to the end I was numb. My brain knew it was happening but my heart refused to engage in this foolishness. But the end came...he had to go to the inpatient hospice center as his symptoms were no longer able to be controlled and for eight days I was no longer his care giver but rather just his wife. I was given eight days, five with which he was non responsive, for me to just love, talk, and touch him and nothing more. And yes, watch him leave a little each day.
But four weeks have indeed gone by and my heart is broken. I am lost with out this person who has been a major part of my life for 50 years, almost all of my life as well the father of my five children, and grandfather to eight. I have a lot of grief and mourning to do...a lot of feelings to deal with, tears to shed, and try to figure out what the hell just happened to us. Puff, and it is over...
Richard Rodi
Obituary
Published in The Providence Journal on August 29, 2013
Richard Rodi
Obituary
Published in The Providence Journal on August 29, 2013
4 comments:
My heart is with you, Carol. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, asking for your comfort and the support of strong loving arms andheaters as you grieve.
I'm sorry. That was supposed to be ' loving arms and hearts.' computers can make us into idiots, can't they?
Take some time to take care of yourself now, too.
Tried to reply to your email.
I am so sorry for your loss.....I know you understand more than anyone what I am going through.
Thank you so much for your kind, kind words.
Hilary
Dear Carol,
Thank you for your comment on my blog post. I am so very, very sorry for your husband's passing. Your journey with him was a sacred passage that you entered together. May your family gather round you and keep you protected with their love and the memory of the large, amazing family you have raised together.
My Dad passed away 22 years ago after 44 years of marriage with my Mom. We promised him we would take care of her always, and although she lived another 22 years on her own, I am proud that she was never "alone" and I'm sure your family will be the same for you.
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