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CaliforniaPeggy

(152,311 posts)
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 10:13 PM Jan 2024

One month ago today, my dear friend AndyS died.

I am glad this month is gone. It has given me space from Andy's death. I look back at that and I am relieved that my sorrow seems to have abated.

He is definitely at peace, and he needed to be. Until he got into hospice, he'd been in a lot of pain. Hospice took care of that.

Now I can more readily see the good things and times that we shared. I am honored that he cared deeply for me, as I did for him.

I now have hope that the road forward will show me more of the goodness we shared, and less of the painful loss that his death brought me.

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badhair77

(4,645 posts)
3. Hugs, Peggy.
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 10:19 PM
Jan 2024

I’m glad you’re at a point where you can treasure the memories and have gratitude for your friendship. I hope you can reach a place where you smile when you think of Andy.

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,311 posts)
4. Thank you so much, my dear badhair77 . . .
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 10:22 PM
Jan 2024

I can smile over the memories now, but sometimes it's through my tears . . . This is going to take some time.

Diamond_Dog

(35,002 posts)
5. Sending you hugs, Peggy
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 10:25 PM
Jan 2024

Andy left behind quite a legacy and from your photos and memories we all got to know him,too.

Wishing you continued peace, comfort, and beautiful memories of your precious friend.

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,311 posts)
8. Thanks so much, my dear Diamond_Dog, for the hugs and beautiful thoughts . . .
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 11:59 PM
Jan 2024

His legacy will go on for a while, as long as we who knew him, are here.

He was a remarkably talented man, with a big heart and a smile to match.

You've got it exactly right: he was indeed my precious friend.

sinkingfeeling

(53,138 posts)
6. It's a long, hard road to handle the loss of someone dear. You
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 10:49 PM
Jan 2024

seem to be walking forward.
Hugs to you.

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,311 posts)
10. Thank you for your great thoughts, my dear sinkingfeeling!
Sat Jan 13, 2024, 12:05 AM
Jan 2024

Losing Andy was the biggest loss of my life so far.

I suspect the fact that I was an RN helps me cope. Hospitals are full of death. Of course, losing a loved one is a lot different than losing a patient. But the loss still gives me perspective and there is healing in that.

Thank you for the hugs!

Permanut

(6,701 posts)
7. Wonderful tribute..
Fri Jan 12, 2024, 11:50 PM
Jan 2024

Some of the best things we can leave behind are memories in the hearts of others.

RIP AndyS.

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,311 posts)
11. Thank you, my dear Permanut! I appreciate your support so much.
Sat Jan 13, 2024, 12:08 AM
Jan 2024

And I so agree about the best things we can leave behind.

brer cat

(26,405 posts)
9. It's going to take time, but you are clearly on the right road, Peggy.
Sat Jan 13, 2024, 12:00 AM
Jan 2024

The pain of his death will never leave, but it will grow weaker as the memories of shared joys and humor grow stronger.

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,311 posts)
12. Thank you, my dear brer cat . . .
Sat Jan 13, 2024, 12:13 AM
Jan 2024

I do feel as though I'm on the right road. The early days were full of my tears and feelings of disbelief.

I still have both, but much less. Being able to talk about the loss really helps.

I tend to have a sunny, optimistic outlook, and I think that will come to be more dominant as the days and weeks roll past.

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,311 posts)
14. Ah, thank you so much, my dear LoisB . . .
Sat Jan 13, 2024, 01:11 AM
Jan 2024

I appreciate your good wishes! They truly help me cope.

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,311 posts)
16. He was AndyS, and he posted mainly in the Photo Group and Gun Control Reform Activism Group. nt
Sat Jan 13, 2024, 11:47 AM
Jan 2024

applegrove

(123,456 posts)
17. I'm sorry Peggy. I did not know them. You are always
Sat Jan 13, 2024, 04:13 PM
Jan 2024

there for people. I hope you can soon think back on your friendship and enjoy the memories of the good times.

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