Jeff..I hear you on those last 2 The thing about this list for me is if I had to answer it at the start of the marriage I don't know if I could but I am happy to say we nailed it..the whole fricken list...the last one is the hardest

those last 2 are especially crushing to me this morning.. #14 - the answer for me is Yes! but i wasn't...it happened when i was at work.. #15 - i can't promise i'll find the strength and courage to press forward..Feels pretty ruined right now..still, i can't imagine my life without having had her in it.

#15 is certainly the hardest. Sam often reminded me that he simply loved life, that he loved living every day, regardless of the ups and downs along the way.

I have often felt that to respect what he stood for, I need to try to adhere to that same philosophy, even though it seems daunting at times.

14 I am at total peace with. As we fought the cancer we were one in every way. A very intimate and very powerful kind of love. She told me you have done everything you possibly could. 15. I know this is where I need to go to respect her legacy but there are pitfalls on the journey there. (primarily grief waves). The truth is I truly believe in 2015 I can take the life we shared and build on it into a life she would be proud of me. That is my hope and dream. It is my hope for all my DS family we find a way at some point to make 15 a reality. Thank you Jeff for posting this. Gerry

Amazing post. 14 was the marriage vow completely - in sickness and in health.... My hand on his heart when he took his last breath. 15 - not doing so well... I am starting to feel what the heck is going on that my heart will not heal, it is so broken.

Jeff,
Thanks for this post. It helped me reflect more about my marriage.
I truly was blessed, to have such a precious man to spend my life with. He will always be a part of me. I thank God for my marriage. The memories that are surfacing now, after all the turmoil, of the last few months, are so precious and 'live giving'
The last number, really helped me, I just know Ben and I would only want each other to keep on and find the joy in each day,
Peace love and joy to you,
Sandra

Wow! Quite a list! Cliff and I didn't get a perfect score on that one, but that's okay - we're human. At least we got #15 right!

Very thought-provoking!

Love and Hugs,
Martha

What a special list of what life is really about. Made the waterworks start on me! I had and now wish to find again the special person that makes me whole and brings out the real me again! Thanks and peace to all during this not so merry season for many of us! Positive energy flowing tio all during this trying season. Hugs from the Dewman who usually sleeps well but not now!

Love ya all!

Dewey

Good and so true in all. I sure messed up on # 14. I was not there when he passed and I will forever feel the guilt ...something I can never forgive myself for....had I only known. And # 15... I have really tried on this one but lately I have felt this is becoming futile and I'm tired of the effort and I worry that I'll eventually succumb to the loneliness and meaninglessness of my life. I have two very close friends and a brother nearby, but this will never replace the intimate sharing of your life with someone you love and someone you were so attuned with and comfortable with....

Being married to Susie was an honor. I failed on some of the items, but she never did. Thanks for the list.

Thanks all. This list rang home for me. It's been especially hard for me this year. It's been over two years since my soul mate left me. I felt some comfort in 14 and 15. 14 because I was ther to hold her hand and kiss her and tell her it was ok to go after the breathed her last breath. I'm trying to live up to 15, I hope someday to be successful at that one but it is really hard.

God bless all, have a Merry Christmas.

Jeff

i to did well until the last one. guess i was meant to see that. I know that he would want that for me and now I think I will try harder. he gave me so much and I need to give that back to him. gayle