Welcome to our group of 'friends'. You will find quite a few here, I hope. So sorry for your loss . . hugs, Dayna

Hello lcg67, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandmother to ALS. It is a terrible disease. She died in my mothers arms. I am fairly new to this group as my wife died 143 days ago. I come here daily and find comfort in the thoughtful members that only know what we know. I have great support from family and friends but very few know what I am really going through. I find my pain has eased up a bit since the early days and weeks but the waves of grief still come daily. I am feeling stronger each day but my life is lived moment by moment. My wife died suddenly and unexpectedly. I can't imagine the added pain of caring for a sick loved one for years and then losing the battle. I have heard the many stories of the brave spouses caring for their sick loved ones only to be left alone and wondering what purpose life has left for them. I hope this site brings you some comfort and my prayers are with you.

Thank- you Dayna..(( Hugs to you)) Lisa

Ptorres ,
I am sorry for the loss of your wife and of your grandmother. Thank -you for your reply.
It just feels like after a over decade of putting every ounce of strength into fighting for my husbands life. I have no more strength in me any longer.
But, it is the extreme loniless that is so hard to bear.My life was so different that what it was when he was healthy that friends/family etc just did not fell comfortable keeping in touch any longer.
Today it is just good to know I am not alone with no one to talk to.Lisa

Icg67, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am still very new in this grief journey, but one thing I can assure you is: The people here get it. They don't judge, they have traveled this road themselves at many different stages. And you will find we all have so much in common though there are differences. Losing your soulmate may be the hardest thing we ever have to indure. I know it is for me. But knowing I have all these wonderful people to share with, to vent to give me guidance is truly a blessing. Hugs to you and come here often. Michele

Michele,
Thank- you for your kind words. ?I am very sorry for your recent loss.
I feel somewhat guilty about posting here because it has been three years since my husband passed.
Leaning on people who are suffering a much more recent loss seems a bit selfish of me.
Yet ,I lived in isolation for over decade while taking care of him. I wish I was stronger and better able to adapt. But, the lonliness can be overwhelming.Lisa

Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. One of the unexpected heroes when I lost my husband was a dear man who we later lost to ALS. A brilliant and quirky lawyer that no one expected to have such a compassionate side, he stepped up when others stepped back. When his illness progressed, he sat me down and talked to me about what he could do to make it easier for his wife and to understand what she would face. It was one of the hardest conversations I have ever had, but I knew it was a privilege that he would trust me enough to have it. Hard things to face, any way you look at it.

After being isolated for so long, and not having much support/social contact, it's not too surprising that you feel the need to speak to others that would understand what it's like. My loss is different from yours - Cliff's death was sudden and unexpected - but I understand the heartache and the heartbreak. I am sorry you needed to be here, but I am glad you found us. Welcome.

Love and Hugs,
Martha, co-Community Leader

Lisa, I will hit the 3 year mark on August 14th and because of the lack of family and support, I still have issues that should have eased by now. It is called complicated grief. I too would love to meet new friends, but my own mental state is holding be back. I am not ready for a romantic relationship and when friends have disappeared (mine too) it leaves you in a rock and a hard place. I have updated my profile to indicate my city and state, hoping that perhaps someone on this site might live near by and need a friend. I had lots of suicidal thoughts this past 4th weekend, but made it through and have a therapy appointment today. I feel ashamed that I am still emotionally in the state of mind I am in. I don't want to bring you down, but I also know intellectually that there are good reasons we are still suffering. Wishing better days. pj

Martha,
Thank you, I am so sorry your husband passed away from ALS as well,as well.
My husband chose the vent , feeding tube etc. it was overwhelming at first to learn how to handle the equipment but just became automatic after awhile. He spoke and communicated with a speech computer.
Last two year of his life we basically lived in an ICU .
I just feel like part of me was lost with him when he passed, life itself has completely been redefined. It feels as if there is no such thing as normal any longer. Lisa

PJ 1952,
Sorry to hear about your loss and that you as well are having a hard time coping years later.
Please don't worry about bringing me down, I think that is impossible right now. Just knowing others are experiencing the same sort of feelings helps. Lisa

IC... I found this amazing place after 22 months of struggling alone.....the support and comfort I have been given has helped me in so many ways....please don't feel guilty ..we all need each other..you know the song..you know the words...I get by with a little help from my .....sending you a big hug!!

Martha,
I am so sorry I misread your post earlier. It was your friend who passed away from ALS
I am so sorry for both the l for the sudden loss of your husband and the loss of your friend Lisa

Kimkos.,
Thank- you and hugs to you as well. Lisa

Lisa, I too felt very isolated during my husband's illness. He worked graveyards those last several years and because he only got one weekend a month off we had very few friends as a couple. As his illness progressed we weren't able to do much of anything cuz we never knew how he would feel. Our world bacame dialysis at home every night for two and a half years. My home was a hospital room and pharmacy. and slowly our future plans became all about when he would feel better. But he just kept declining. So there were no couple friends for years and years. I really do feel I had been morning our old life for many years before he passed. But always had hope that he would rally once again. It didn't happen. I have my best friend since we were fifteen who lost her husband four years ago and she has been a rock. The souls here get it. They have been where we are and they are encouraging and supportive. I am here for you as they are. Hugs, Michele

Welcome here "friend"......I am so sorry for your loss.
I know we are all here for you.
Hug.......Sandra