Wendy's Journey

I would like to start by thanking Fred for this opportunity.  I spent many years serving Her Majesty.  Ending up with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and ME.  I am now in the same position as so many, waiting for new knees and hips.

In1993 I married Dave, and had nearly 25years with him.  We bought a small holding and had three children.  Life was not always easy, but somehow we always got through.

In 2018 our world crashed.  Dave very suddenly died from an undiagnosed heart condition.  My youngest was sitting GCSEs.  School and friends were so very helpful,  but nothing prepares you for the feelings of loss and panic.  Dave was my first “ real” partner, and although at times we disliked each other, we always loved each other deeply.  I know both of us could be difficult at times.  One of the things I miss about him is his pithy one liners.  It was fun watching people’s reactions to them.

I also miss being able to talk to him, we solved everything that way,  now I have to do this on my own,  my young people are grown, and it’s hard to know how and when to help them.   I know they miss their dad.  I try to encourage them to talk about him, but they can still be quite angry.  I was, I was furious that he had left me, despite knowing he would never have voluntarily done so.  All I can do is wait for them,  remember Dave, and do my best.

Luckily I have some good friends,  who have been quietly encouraging, and my own Father, who is in the same situation.  We are all beginning to accept, and, strangely, forge a new life.  One where we can laugh, and remember all the good times we had together.

My advice to anyone reading this is, love each other,  make loads of memories, and always say goodbye to each other.