You should be very proud of yourself. I have not had to go back to the hospital where Mark spent a lot of time. I cannot imagine the memories that will come flooding in when that day comes (as I'm sure it will).

Maybe the firsts never stop.....

Hugs,
Mary

At the beginning of April, it will be 7 months for me as well. Some days, I seem to cope fairly well; on other days, I'm completely blindsided by my own emotions. I page through a magazine, hear a song, prepare a particular food, drive past a familiar spot, or see on the shelf a memento from one of our trips ... and I'm overwhelmed.

It was such a kind gesture for you to visit your friend, even though going there was difficult. I'm glad you were able to have a good visit. Lord knows, the car is a great place to let emotions out!

Good for you.
Such a hard first to face.
There are so many firsts that pop up. They all seem to hurt. You don't get to plan for them, they just happen. Returning to the hospital is one I hadn't thought about.

Those of us that have been thru this are the only ones that can really understand and help those going thru it. God bless you.

early on, I had to go do some tests at our local hospital where DH spent some time before being transferred and my family DR apologized that the test was no longer done at other labs , only at the hospital as he knew the trauma it might cause. I had to do a test that required me going there two days in a row. It was hard and I was shaking by the time I got back to my car. Anger also resurfaced from the knowledge of mistakes made at that hospital. I had to ask my husband to see me through.

I dont visit my friends that leave around the hospital, because I can not even drive by.. Much less the last restaurant we went to minutes before his bike crashed. I am at 9 months now and I have been out with friends pretty much every week, and pretty much every time I have a great time and guess what?! I always cry on my way home! I think its normal... :/

You are very strong and compassionate. May you find healing and peace.

I worked at the hospital where my father died and where my husband was treated. I guess it changed my reaction to it. My husband died at home and I can still see him in the hospital bed if I allow myself to. I've changed the house around and nothing is as it was 7 years ago, but I have to control my mnd now in order to live.

Don't misunderstand, this took time and the memories that destroyed me became the memories that healed me. But him in that bed I can't deal with even today. Some things are harder to forget so we have to not focus on them. Sharon

Two months ago, a woman at work, husband was diagnosed with cancer. When he was admitted into the hospice program, I fell backwards in the healing process. The images of my hubby's last days became so vivid again.

You got such a big heart! That was such a wonderful thing you did. The world could use more people like you. Hugs.

Good for you. Your story reminds of my nephew the day my husband died. My nephew's father ( my husband's brother) had just died unexpected. My nephew sat in almost the chair that he sat when he heard that his father was died. I told him that day that his uncle (my husband) would understand if he was not there. My nephew looked at me and he said that his mother could come and be with the family. So he decided to come for his mother and for his father. He told me how much his father loved my husband and how much he loved him.
I was very proud of my nephew that day. In my eyes that day he truly became a man.

I remember tears streaming down my face when I had to return to the hospital where my husband passed away. Walking thru the same hallways was so hard and I hoped no one would notice me crying. I avoided making eye contact with anyone. Bless you for being strong enough to go visit your friend.

Maybe we are stronger than we believe we are. Be proud of yourself for accomplishing something you weren't sure you could do. One day at a time.

I hope your friend is ok.