The Love of My Life

[mumsisdaughter]

Gavin Alexander Nicholson

23rd March 1947 --- 25th June 2022


We booked a holiday to the Isle of Man in 2019 for the following year. For two years, it kept being postponed. Finally, this year we would be able to visit the island with Jenn and Pete.

Gavin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on 4th March and began chemotherapy. His consultant permitted him to go on holiday because quality of life is important. We arrived on 11th June.

The first week was good. Gavin, despite dramatic weight loss and a diagnosis of diabetes since March, had a lovely first week.

Unfortunately, I had to call for an ambulance on the Monday of the second week. The care he received was wonderful and all staff were considerate of our situation. He was in ICU for four days with a dedicated team of nurses. I was with him at the end, for which I am very grateful.

Everyone has been very supportive and kind. His funeral is on Friday this week.

Forty-four years is a long time to have known the best man I have ever met. Thank you for choosing me, Gav, you filled our life together with laughter and love xx

 

Comments

[ghislaine]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's wonderful you were able to take your trip together and have a good week.

[mumsisdaughter]

Thank you for your kind comment :)

[starshine_shimmyshuffle]

Look at that beautiful couple. Look at that beautiful love.

I'm so shattered for you. So very sorry that you must endure this pain.

We pay so very much for love. All the pain would seem a price too high if we had never known the joy.

Cry now, dear lady, and bury your beautiful man well. Hold on to your baby and wrap yourself in the comfort of a lifetime of love.

My thoughts are with you always.

[mumsisdaughter]

Oh, my dear. I read your words and the tears did flow. Your comments are spot on. Thank you so much x

[versailles_rose]

Oh, Kath. I am so sorry. I ache for your loss and can not begin to imagine what is in your poor heart.

I could kick myself for missing this. I really should read Dreamwidth.

Sending so many hugs !

[mumsisdaughter]

Hugs received and welcomed :)

It comes in waves. I'm trying to keep myself busy. There's so much to deal with by telephone, email and letter. Some companies have a dedicated Bereavement Team and the whole process talking to them and moving things into my name is relatively painless; others leave it up to whoever answers the phone to deal with it.

The house is too quiet. He was a man who made his presence felt, wherever he was.

The funeral went well. I didn't want a miserable funeral with everyone wearing black because he wasn't like that. Many people have told me since that they have never laughed so much at a funeral and I'm glad they did. It was definitely a celebration of the man he was :)

[seraphflight]

I've been away from Dreamwidth for an age, as you already know, and only now have read your words. I am so sorry for your loss. The photo of the two of you is lovely, full of warmth and love. I'm glad that you were able to have a little holiday together before the end.

[mumsisdaughter]

Thank you so much. It's been nearly two years now and I am used to living alone and fending for myself but sometimes the tears flow still. I try hard to remember the good life he gave me and not dwell on the end.

We have a lovely daughter who is engaged to a joyous man. Gavin knew him for about three years and was aware that marriage had been discussed. He very much approved. They live in York and visit me once a month. Her ex, who she lived with for nine years, is still very much part of our family. He and his lady are now the devoted parents of a little girl so I am a Grandma by proxy. I can't stop knitting! All five will see me over the first weekend in May. I should dust off this journal and post some pics :)