The phone rang at 6:00 a.m. Never good news that early in the morning.Our friend, Helen, called to tell us that Al died during the night. She didn't know what to do, or who to call. I told her to hang up and call 911, and we would be there.
We arrived just after the EMTs. Helen told us that when she woke up, he was not breathing and was cold to touch. How awful for her. We were with her through the EMTs, the police, and when the undertaker came. In between, our Priest came for 'last rights' (not called that anymore) and we prayed together.
I have to say that the Officer from Lakeland Police was so very nice. He stayed with us until after the funeral home came. He offered advice to Helen about safety, now that she will be alone. He also talked about the scammers that will be calling, etc.
She wanted to be alone, and wanted to make phone calls herself, so Joe and I both left her, with instructions to call us for anything. Of course, we will be helping her through everything. Joe is going to the funeral home with her tomorrow. They never had children. We also offered our guest room to her, if she wanted to stay somewhere else for a night or two. We asked her to not worry about getting things done. We will be here to help. We've been friends for 24 years.
A very sad start to my day. He seemed fine when we picked him up Saturday, for Mass. We really just never know when we will be called Home.
Peace, love & hugs.
I am so very sorry to hear of your friend. How tough especially for her, finding herself alone - except for good friends who are helping her through this. Bless you for being there for her!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy.
DeleteI have been here and let me tell you, you are a blessing to this person. This is a terrible experience for anyone. My situation only different in that he woke me up having a violent heart attack and was dead by the time I reached his side of the bed.
ReplyDeleteTo this day I can't remember huge blocks of time that first few weeks. What I can remember is this feeling of walking in a daze and trying to figure out what to do next. It took about 6 months to become truly functional, even though I had to go to work. My personal life from that time is basically filled with gaps.
I was blessed to have an aunt and uncle who drove from Atlanta to help me. They stayed with me 4 weeks as did my youngest sister. Everyone on my house, one after another, came down with some kind of bug while they were there but they stayed. Without them I do not know what I would have done.
Prayers for your friend and blessings to you and your husband. I encourage you to keep in close contact. The calls from "friends" generally stop after about 4-6 weeks. Then, you hear from no one but those you are closest to. It is a terrible time when you suddenly realize that you are really alone. My online friends are the people who got me through the first year.
Cynthia, thank you for your prayers, and for sharing your story. We will certainly stay in touch with Helen through all that is ahead and beyond. She is a good friend.
DeleteThat's so sad. Bless her heart. My thoughts and prayers are with her. The exact same thing happened next door to us a few years ago. I ran over to help my friend, and held her as the funeral home wheeled her husband out of the house. You're right.... we never know when we will leave this earth.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read about your friend, and I'll remember his widow in prayer. That was very kind of the police officer to try to forewarn her about scammers. I understand, as I know you do, her need to be alone. She knows she can count on you and Joe. Bless both of you and of course Helen.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this. Prayers for all. You are a good friend to her. Take care of you too.
ReplyDeleteHow awful. Prayers for your friend...I cannot imagine!
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad. I know you had been friends for a long time, and he will be missed so much. I know Helen will be blessed by you and Joe helping during this hard time. That's what friends are for. You are right, none of us know when we will be called home, and the important thing is to be ready.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for your kind words and for all the prayers. Helen was doing okay when we talked this evening. She had company all day, until about 7:30, including lunch and dinner out. She told us she is ready to be alone tonight, and wants to work on organizing papers, etc. Al took care of all the bills and she was worried about what might be in his office needing attention. She will be comforted to get that off her mind. Joe will see her in the morning, to go to the funeral home. Again, thank you all!
ReplyDeleteThat is sad. I'm so sorry for your loss
ReplyDeleteYou are good Christians to go to her side so quickly and to walk with her on this journey. It is a path that needs to be walked with support from friends and family.
ReplyDeleteHow very sad. From reading your posts, I feel like I know Al and Helen. Helen is so blessed to have you and Joe in her life. The days and weeks ahead are going to be so hard for her, thank goodness she will have your help.
ReplyDeleteOh so very sad. I am glad she has friends like you and Joe to help her through this terrible time. Be well!
ReplyDeleteNow i am reading your blog Terri .Please accept our deepest sympathy about your dear friend .
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read about this. It is very sad. I am sure that Helen is glad to have good friends to support her in this time of grief.
ReplyDeleteHow tragic for your friend to lose her husband so suddenly. It will certainly take some time to let it sink in, it must be feeling very unreal right now. It is good she has such good friends in you and Joe.
ReplyDeleteHi Terri. I was just catching up on some of your older blogs, and read about your friend Al passing away. I remember you talking about him on Multiply, as you would bring him to church often. Hope Helen is handling things well, and I'm praying for her strength during this difficult time. She is so lucky to have both Joe & you around to help her out and give her peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteTheresa