IT'S HARD TO SAY GOODBYE

How do I say goodbye to  the most important person  in my life?

Norma and I were married for the best 32 years of my life.

Besides being my wife she was my very best friend. We shared everything together, especially laughter on a daily basis, because it was my pleasure to see her smile every single day, and I accomplished that feat. Our love was unbelievable.

When I tell people how we never went to sleep without expressing our love for each other always ending in "I love you more." Followed with a kiss.
Even when we were apart we made sure we spoke and conveyed our love. 

 She was the bravest person I've ever known. When she was diagnosed with AML Leukemia seven months ago, she never complained "why me". She knew at the outset, what her life expectancy was and lived her life with no crying and thank goodness, no pain.

My best friend and the biggest part of my life is gone.
I ask myself, how will I live without her, without her lying next to me, feeling her warmth against my body.

I remember all the great times we had together, all the fun things we did with our many wonderful friends, the cruises, fishing in Canada, trips to Las Vegas and the Ozarks, the time we spent on the Hawaiian cruise that had no casino, our Wednesday night dinner group and our football buddies. Those memories will stay with me forever.

Whenever we attended a wedding I would always  wish the bride and groom that they would have the marriage that we have.

All of our good times I hope will overshadow the constant tears flowing from my body. 

At one time or another we all lose a loved one and eventually, in time, it gets easier.

I'm sure it will for me too but dammit, it's hard to say goodbye.

Be at peace my love and thank you for the greatest 32 years of my life, our extended family and going from Shapiro to Shapiro.

A BIG THANK YOU

For the last seven months or so I've been taking my wife Norma to St. Lukes South hospital for her Chemo and transfusions.
 
This blog is a heartfelt thank you to the staff that took care of my wife. I especially want to thank her Oncologist Dr. Gaur and his great nurse Kim. They always gave Norma the feeling that she was someone special and not just another patient. They were always upfront and honest from the very first day. Alyssa in the front office always made sure I received the information requested and followed up.

Two very special nurses also deserve my eternal gratitude for the love and care they showed to Norma, including a personal hug, Michelle and Marilyn in the oncology department on the fifth floor. They could not do more than they did to make her comfortable and at ease during her visits.

Downstairs in the Short Stay department where she received her blood transfusions, a big "Thank You" goes out to Laine and her associates for their great care.

The nurses in the ICU department, especially Jason, were unbelievably caring and professional. I can't remember everyone's name because I'm old but St. Lukes South should be proud of the way their staff represents the hospital.

Norma is now at KC Hospice another great place.

I will try to keep you updated on her condition but she's comfortable and experiencing no pain.