Love of my life

   Submitted by TonyaAnderson on June 11, 2008 - 1:24pm.    

9 months ago, I lost someone I loved very much. he was my best friend and the love of my life. He died of lung cancer at 46 years old. Does anyone know of a group or anything to help me thru this process. We weren't married, so those types of groups, I think, would not be the best for me. I wake up at night missing him, I cry during the day....it's pathetic and I know he wouldn't want me to continue on this way. Any suggestions????
Thanks...


Lea1219's picture
Submitted by Lea1219 on June 11, 2008 - 1:31pm.

The local hospitals have many different kinds of groups like what you are looking for, so give them a call and find one right for you. But mostly what you will need is time. I just lost my cousin, who was only 33, to cancer, her funeral was on last saturday. I have been angry and bitter since. I even sliced off my finger at work because I was so distracted by everything. It didnt help that my uncle and aunt kept alot of information from us because they were mad at my parents and uncles because of grandma's estate. They started fighting over it when she was still alive, thankfully she had recently past away too and doesnt have to deal with it anymore. I know it tore her apart too. Its hard to lose a loved one, especially to that aweful disease (how I wish sanford was working on that, but agree that type 1 diabetes needs to be cured too). Good Luck!

AidensMommy's picture
Submitted by AidensMommy on June 12, 2008 - 2:17pm.

It doesn't matter if you were married or not, the loss of a loved one is tough. I recently (Feb.) lost my father to lung cancer as well. He was 56 and it took him in less then a year after the doctors told him he was "cancer free" and chemo was optional. My mother came and stayed with us the month after he passed and I looked for support groups for her. What I found is that most hospice have support groups but they like you to wait a little. I was told that in order to be in a support group you have to be able to support the other people. Now in my opinion I wanted there to be someone for my mom to talk to and help her when I couldn't but thats just me I guess!
All I can say is that I called local hospitals and hospices and did some replies. Talking is the best way to deal with your loss and don't feel that your feelings aren't justified he was your partner and like you said the love of your life!!! I'm so sorry for your loss if you would like to talk more feel free to PM me. Trust me I have all sorts of feelings about my Dad's passing. To make matters worse he wasn't able to make it to see his 2nd grandchild, she is due in August :( Again, I'm so sorry...

krispy1985's picture
Submitted by krispy1985 on June 12, 2008 - 3:15pm.

I lost my dad in September 2006, then just 6 months almost to the day my mom passed. Neither was sick, Dad was changing clothes and sat down on a chair and went just that fast, my Mom fell asleep on the couch and never woke up. Didn't see either one coming. It hits you like a rock. I've cried just about every day (in some capacity - doing it right now), but that is a normal passage of grief. Not saying its easy, but its normal. I have a friend who has lost both her parents she can relate completely, so we talk a lot. If you have a friend who's lost someone, seek them out. I know they would be more than willing to talk, cry or just listen. If you wish, you can PM me and I'll listen. Krispy - Football Mom!!

frypower's picture
Submitted by frypower on July 15, 2008 - 12:47pm.

I too have lost my father! The loss of a loved one is never easy! I too agree that talking is the best thing to do. My dad has been gone for 7 years and I still find myself crying over certain things, and holidays. He never met his grandsons, and he didnt get the chance to walk me down the aisle at my wedding.

madylyns mommy's picture
Submitted by madylyns mommy on June 12, 2008 - 3:40pm.

Hi there,

I lost my husband on Christmas day in an automobile accident. There is a grief group that McKennan offers that was very helpful to me, unfortunately I don't think it starts again until fall, but the leader is Dr. Mark VandeBraak. I am also attending counseling with Dr. Moran with Catholic Family Services, she is very good and has grief groups for all kinds of losses. I am reading a book right now called "I wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye" it has some helpful topics that could help you. Please e-mail me if you need someone to listen.

Carrie

nhrafan's picture
Submitted by nhrafan on June 12, 2008 - 3:48pm.

I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. Hugs.

TonyaAnderson's picture
Submitted by TonyaAnderson on July 14, 2008 - 2:49pm.

I want to thank you all for your input. I keep thinking that it's going to get better and that one of these days, I won't wake up missing him. but that day hasn't come yet.
Someday!

drovick's picture
Submitted by drovick on July 14, 2008 - 3:38pm.

I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think that you will ever stop missing him, but some day it will get a little bit less painful. I always like to suggest to people to try seeing a psychiatrist/psychologist. Sometimes support groups aren't what people need, sometimes one on one time with a professional to help you work through your difficult times is a good way to take a step forward. Many insurance companies will pay for most of the cost, you might just have to pay your $25 "office visit" or something like that.
Good luck and take care of yourself. You don't ever have to stop missing him. Just try to let him be a beautiful ache in your heart instead of a painful weight pulling you down.

evansmom's picture
Submitted by evansmom on July 14, 2008 - 9:35pm.

I agree that the support groups at the hospitals are very helpful. When I was there, there were people who had lost loved ones years ago who were still going to these groups b/c it helped so much just to talk and to have someone listen. It really helps you to go through all the stages of grief.

~Amy~

ejgengler's picture
Submitted by ejgengler on July 15, 2008 - 11:08am.

You may be interested in looking into the American Cancer Society's website, www.cancer.org. There is an online forum, Cancer Survivor's Network, where patients, caregivers, family and friends can chat and find support anytime of day.

girls_mommy's picture
Submitted by girls_mommy on July 15, 2008 - 12:43pm.

You can also call the Helpline Center; they have lists of support groups in Sioux Falls. Dial 211. I'm so sorry for your loss...I can't even imagine what that must feel like.

Mom2Two's picture
Submitted by Mom2Two on July 15, 2008 - 2:04pm.

Do not be afraid to let yourself grieve and do not think that you should be over it so quickly. It has only been 9 months. I can tell you from experience that after the one year of all the first's.. ie first holiday without him, first birthday, etc. it does seem to get easier. If after the one year anniversary you find that you are not learning to live with your loss that maybe than you should seek some professional help. In the meantime support groups can be wonderful.
God bless you and may you find the strength you need to live with your loss.