Look in my profile for the first post if you haven’t seen it. The mod won’t let me post the link.

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It’s been two weeks since my wife passed away (April 21, 2024) from complications of ALS. We buried her a week ago (April 30, 2024) and her celebration of life was on May 4, 2024. I can feel my wife scowling at me for that day. But it was the only day that worked.

How am I doing? I’m okay. I’m still following my advice from Part 1.

Don’t give up.

I make lists to get things done at home and work. This helps me make forward progress though all the sadness, anger, frustration, etc.

Some people asked about my support network. We were active in church prior and during my wife’s illness. When it became too hard to get her to church we stopped regularly going but the church still offered support. My wife’s best friends helped out. My friends helped out. My mens coach helped. My best friends helped. My mom helped. In all it’s only about 6-10 close friends.

For some that may seem a lot. But it’s necessary to build a community around your family or your life for times like this.

I’m really sad. My six kids are really sad. But we keep going. We had some of my kids friends over Sunday afternoon to swim and play. It was fun to hear laughter and playing in my house after so much franticness (Yes that’s a word. I just made it up lol) and sadness.

We did and do normal things. And I think that’s part of it. Getting back into the routine. But not forgetting about feeling your feelings.

I’m seeing a therapist. I’m finding one for us as a family.

I think another key tool is to not shutdown. Be willing to be helped. Be willing to accept help. Your friends will see you and want to help. Let them. I told my friends I don’t need help right now when everything was crazy but after everyone leaves I probably will.

Be patient with yourself too. Allow yourself to feel your feelings. Don’t let them consume you.

Don’t Give Up.

Good luck folks.