As many of you are aware, my civil partner of 47 years, has been suffering from Stage 4 cancer of the liver for a few months. She finally died on Saturday November 2nd, at 8pm. She was with me, her sister and husband, her brother and his wife; and a District Nurse.

Her death was one of the gentlest and easy of any I have witnessed. She simply stopped breathing, and it was over.

The District Nurse was able to begin the ‘paper trail’ immediately, and that makes everything so much easier.

And once she had done that, she suggested that she, plus we three women, wash Jane and lay her out. Such a loving and kindly thing for us to do and for her to suggest.

After she left, I called the Funeral Director I had already been in contact with, and he offered me the choice of Jane remaining with me for one more night, or coming immediately to collect her. I chose one more night.

How I survived Saturday night I have no idea. On Sunday, she was taken with great respect and dignity from her home to the Chapel of Rest I the next town. And there she will remain until the funeral.

Her brother and wife left for home… but her sister and husband remain here, supporting me. They are immensely kind. 

I offer apologies in advance that I may not be able to respond to your kind comments… right now, I am barely functioning… one breath, one step at a time.

CMM

A Moodscope member