Reviews from

The Last Goodbye

One tough year in my life.

34 total reviews 
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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I am sorry that you had to endure such pain in your back whilst also caring for your beloved husband. You are a brave and courageous woman and I am sorry for your loss and wish you luck in the future, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2022
    Thank you. I miss my husband, but there was no way to save him. The cancer was too advanced when they found it. He was in a lot of pain and death was the only way out. He was ready to go. Hugs
Comment from Susan Newell
Excellent
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Your story is as heartwarming as tragic. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is let our loved ones go. I am so glad Des was able to die at home, with you there to care for him. And it is clear that you had more inner resources than you ever imagined. You must be made of iron and honey. This was beautifully written, without a hint of seeking pity. You took the hard knocks and stood up stronger. I commend you.

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2022
    Thank you. No, I'm not looking for pity by writing this story. I only wanted to point out that we ae stronger than we think. Hugs
reply by Susan Newell on 03-Sep-2022
    That came through loud and strong. I have read a lot of "woe is me" here, and yours "ain't that." It takes some skill to write so objectively in the first person.
Comment from Sarah Robin
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Thank you for sharing your story. We never know how strong we can be until we have been tested. And, you had a tough time. I am glad your back surgery was successful! Your story was very well done. Sarah

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2022
    Thank you for your kind comments and the six stars. Both are appreciated. Hugs
Comment from RPSaxena
Excellent
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Hello Prettybluebirds,
Nice piece of General Non-Fiction having smooth flow throughout from the beginning to the end.
You have beautifully depicted your struggle with your husband's almost incurable disease as well as with your own back pain.
The last paragraph is particularly noteworthy.
GOOD LUCK in the contest.

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2022
    Thank you. It was a tough year but I lived to tell about it. My husband's cancer was stage four when they found it, and he didn't want them to try chemo or surgery. He was 89 and only wished to die in peace. Hugs
reply by RPSaxena on 04-Sep-2022
    Perttybluebirds, Most Welcome!
    With best wishes,
    ~ RP
Comment from Sanku
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I do totally .I have one herniated disc and initially the pain was terrible and i took total bed rest while my mother took over the runnin gof the house .Then I went for magnetic treatment ,then was prescribed traction .Any I learnt to manage my pain .Now it is 26 years..But I am scared it would soon reach surgery level So I am very careful not to lift weights etc..

Your essay is very well written and very touching that in spite of your pain you cared for your husband till the end.God bless you .all the best fort he contest.

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2022
    Thank you. I'm so glad I had the surgery. I don't think I would be walking today otherwise. Thank you for sharing your story and the six stars. I appreciate both. Hugs
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
Excellent
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Firstly, I am sorry for the loss of your beloved husband, Des. Secondly, he was a mighty lucky man to have a wife like you. You stood by your man through better or worse, just like the marriage vows.
Your story is well-written. I am glad for the large font. You have written a good entry for the prompt, "School of Hard Knocks". However, the visual is just okay. I think a photo of your husband or one of you two together would be better. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2022
    Thank you. That is the contest picture and I couldn't get it to change for some reason. Rather than mess up what I had written, I left the picture. I don't care for it either. Hugs.
Comment from Spitfire
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I hurt just reading this! I have found from personal experience that when a loved one suffers physically, we cover up our pain to deal with his/her illness. Your final paragraph is so true and that's why the six.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2022
    Thank you, and thanks for the six stars, I appreciate them. My husband hid his pain for a long time too. He waited until things got really bad before asking for help. Hugs
Comment from Thesis
Excellent
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Your pain clearly shows through your story. It is exemplified in several ways in your story, however you endured it on both an emotional and physical level for your husband.

Few people might honor their commitment to fulfill their spouse's dying wish to leave this world in their own home. You're a woman of her word.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 02-Sep-2022
    Thank you. I would have taken care of my husband if I had to crawl. I made a promise and intended to keep it. The steroid therapy really helped the last month my husband was alive, but it was unsafe to use steroids too often. Hugs.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
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I think I'm about your age, and as I read this I could only think how hard it would be to take care of someone needing so much help while managing my own failing health.

Sorry for the loss of your friend and love, but very happy to hear that things have improved for you.

Thank you for sharing this lesson from the school of hard knocks.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 02-Sep-2022
    Thank you. You would be surprised what you can do when you know it is necessary. The back sugery has really helped. I have some very mild pain still, but it is nothing I can't live with. Hugs
Comment from GWHARGIS
Excellent
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Very sorry for the loss of your best friend and husband. It is amazing how, as a caregiver, you were hurting yourself and didn't realize it. No doubt that taking care of a full grown man is physically taxing. And I don't care how good a shape you're in. Glad you got the surgery. And doubly glad it helped you. Definitely a hard knocks couple of years.
Gretchen

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 02-Sep-2022
    Thank you. All the years of hard work on the farm caused my back injury. The doctor said it would have happened whether I was taking care of my husband or not. It was just a matter of time. I suppose lifting my husband might have brought it on sooner. Hugs