Stories from Caregivers: Patricia from NORTH CAROLINA
NC
Patricia
FROM NORTH CAROLINA
In the spring og 2012, my husband Gary suffered a stroke which affected his speech and left him with right side weakness. As a retired occupational therapy practitioner, I had worked with many such patients in the past. But this was my husband....the man I loved....the man I'd been married to for over 44 years. This made it 10 times harder and 10 times more frustrating. I knew what he had been able to do in his past, whereas other patients, I had no prior knowledge of their prior status so took them as they were at the time. I never felt so helpless watching this man who had been so strong, had served in the Navy, had raised a family, etc. slowly deteriorate mentally, physically and emotionally and I could only watch it happen. Thankfully, we had the services of a wonderful hospice which helped us all get through a horrible ordeal I wouldn't wish on anyone. He passed away peacefully Halloween morning 2012. Following his long held wishes, he was cremated and his ashes scattered at sea by the Navy. Since he had been a submarine sailor, we managed to arrange for this to be done off a sub, the USS Scranton. He'd have been so proud. I am eternally grateful for almost 45 years of marriage, and to Seasons Hospice and to the U.S. Navy. God bless them all!
