Losing someone to illness

Grief support: When someone you love is terminally ill, you may begin grieving in advance but that doesn't necessarily mean you grieve any less after the death. Find support and guidance from our online community to help you cope, and share your story to help others.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tempestt on January 26, 2013 at 9:55am

Dear Ms. Nancy,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know he must have loved and appreciated that. At Proverbs 17:17 it says, "A true companion is loving all the time, and...is born for when there is distress." Everyone grieves in their own way. I, myself, have lost several people lose too. Although I cry, I don't wail because of a hope promised in the Bible. At John 5:28, 29 it says, “the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life”. Just think of that wonderful time when you can see your husband again. I hope this brings you some comfort.

Sincerely,

Tempestt
Jehovah's Witness

Permalink Reply by Jackie Jackson on January 26, 2013 at 2:26pm

Dear Martha because many of us have lost loved ones to the "enemy" death we sorely grieve for them and we sorely miss them. We are simply never really prepared in our heart to let them go completely. The reason being is that death is not natural or normal. Everyone desires to live on and on. No one wants to die according to what the Bible says at Ecclesiastes 3:11. We try and take care of ourselves to the best of our abilities. We make our doctors appointments, exercise regularly, get sufficient rest, eat balanced meals, try and think positive, we try and surround ourselves with positive individuals and keep ourselves busy with positive deeds, etc., yet we still grow old, get sick and die. Even the healthiest person is not exempt from disease and illness at some point in their lives. Please, know that according to God's Word we, humankind, was not created to die or die from the endless list of illnessses and diseases that plague humans today. Because of sin inherited from Adam and Eve, that is why we all get sick and die (Genenis 2:15-17).

Thankfully, God, Jehovah has promised and given us His Word that all the ill effects of inherited sin will be reversed in time (Isaiah 33:24, Job 33:25)....A beautiful miracle called the resurrection will soon be performed during a period in our coming history. This miracle will allow those who have lost loved ones to death to be able to see them again, alive and full of life. We will be able to hold them in our arms and let them know how much we've missed them. You will be able Martha to catch up on 'missed opportunities" with them and so forth (John 11:1-44; Isaiah 26:19; Acts 24:15 and Revelation 21:4,5).

Martha, I will be praying for you that Jehovah may graciously and compassionately grant you continued peace of mind and peace of heart...Please know that there are those who are praying for your best interest and being. Take care of yourself and Always know that God is a ready source of great comfort (Philippians 4:6,7; Psalms 9:9; Isaiah 41:10,13)

Permalink Reply by Marsha H on January 26, 2013 at 3:14pm

Tempestt ... Thank you for your lovely message. I am Protestant and do believe in my faith. I must admit it has taken me sometime to get back into believing because of the loss of my spouse in 2011. I have never feared death, but living without your beloved that takes your breath away. It's about surviving loneliness; over-whelmness and the daily fight to survive in any way we can. I know I will see my husband again, but it's a struggle (I am not young anymore) to wait for that time. I take baby steps and try to do the best I can each day as it comes.

I hope you are well and getting along well. May you have peace and joy each day.

God bless

Marsha

Permalink Reply by Melanie Wardlow on February 14, 2013 at 4:51pm

My grandmother died on the 22nd of January. She was a month short of her next birthday. She did have cancer, but that isn't what took her in the end. Toward the end she had the later stage of dementia as I understood it. I have to keep telling myself she was in her 80's and did live a full life. I hurt so much right now that I feel like some took my heart out and stomped on it.

Permalink Reply by Hallie on June 3, 2013 at 9:05am

Hi Melanie. I lost my grandmother five years ago and there isn't a day that goes by where my heart doesn't ache for missing her. It will get better but a part of you will always be with her. ((hugs))

Permalink Reply by Marsha H on June 3, 2013 at 2:13pm

Melanie .... I know it is difficult to lose a grandmother no matter how old they are. My grandmother passed away years ago from stomach cancer in her mid 70's and we slept in the same room and we had a very close relationship, I miss her to this day. For the first year it seemed as if my grandmother took a piece of my heart with her, but, as time went by I started to remember the wonderful memories of her and the wise things she taught me. I also felt her around me for awhile. I have no doubt your grandmother is close to you right now so if need be talk to her when you feel like ... she's listening to you and she'll be watching over you.

Hugs

Marsha

Melanie Wardlow said:

My grandmother died on the 22nd of January. She was a month short of her next birthday. She did have cancer, but that isn't what took her in the end. Toward the end she had the later stage of dementia as I understood it. I have to keep telling myself she was in her 80's and did live a full life. I hurt so much right now that I feel like some took my heart out and stomped on it.