It’s been a long journey. I was caregiver for 4 years before my husband went to memory care a year ago. He was transferred to a snf last week after a sudden decline and is nearing the end. It’s so difficult to see him suffer. Due to the already lengthy grieving process, I don’t want a funeral, but perhaps a memorial service in the spring? I’m not even sure about that. My husband's only wish is to be cremated. I am just in need of some gentle feedback. Thank you.
Nothing can help you cope or prepare.
You can think you have it all figured out.
My Husband was on Hospice for almost 3 years.
It was a 12 YEAR journey from diagnosis to his death.
I "knew" in my head what was happening.
My Heart was a whole 'nuther thing!
All I can say is don't rush yourself.
The "grieving process" that you have gone through is what I call "anticipatory grieving".
You do what you feel is right for you and for what he would have wanted.
PLEASE...if he is suffering contact Hospice any Hospice of your choice they will help you, they will help make sure that he is not suffering. And even though he is in a Skilled Nursing Facility Hospice can provide a Vigil Volunteer so that he is never left alone. they are there for you as well as for him.
((hugs and prayers))
We do try hard to anticipate so we can prepare ourselves. It's just hard to do so. I got cancer 36 years ago. I had feared it, as a nurse, for much of my career, wondering what it would be like, how in the world I would cope. Yet having it was NOTHING whatsoever about fearing it.
You have been through so much. You are seasoned in "getting through". I wish I could help you prepare, but the best I have is that it will be better or worse or both off and on, but it will be different than you imagine. So try not to anticipate it. You are as prepared as you ever can be for what will come. You have already done a lot of losing in living through this. My heart goes out to you and I wish you the best.
On Grief & Grieving, by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross & David Kessler
https://www.amazon.com/On-Grief-and-Grieving-audiobook/dp/B07GDSK9H6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Y4FFSNHZXKIR&keywords=on+grief+and+grieving+by+elizabeth+kubler-ross&qid=1672940444&sprefix=on+grief%2Caps%2C572&sr=8-1
"On Death and Dying began as a theoretical book, an interdisciplinary study of our fear of death and our inevitable acceptance of it. It introduced the world to the now-famous five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. On Grief and Grieving applies these stages to the process of grieving and weaves together theory, inspiration, and practical advice, all based on Kübler-Ross' and Kessler's professional and personal experiences, and is filled with brief, topic-driven stories. It includes sections on sadness, hauntings, dreams, coping, children, healing, isolation, and even the subject of sex during grief. "
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, by David Kessler
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Meaning-Sixth-Stage-Grief/dp/1501192744/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YSAX7JVV90K1&keywords=the+6th+stage+of+grief&qid=1672940538&s=audible&sprefix=the+6th+stage+of+grief%2Caudible%2C129&sr=1-1-catcorr
"Kessler’s insight is both professional and intensely personal. His journey with grief began when, as a child, he witnessed a mass shooting at the same time his mother was dying. For most of his life, Kessler taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about end of life, trauma, and grief, as well as leading talks and retreats for those experiencing grief. Despite his knowledge, his life was upended by the sudden death of his twenty-one-year-old son. How does the grief expert handle such a tragic loss? He knew he had to find a way through this unexpected, devastating loss, a way that would honor his son. That, ultimately, was the sixth stage of grief—meaning. In Finding Meaning, Kessler shares the insights, collective wisdom, and powerful tools that will help those experiencing loss."
I'm so sorry you are faced with such a loss in your life. I hope God grants you mercy and peace as you travel this difficult road, my friend.
I think a memorial is always a better idea than a funeral, because it focuses on memories rather than a body. You do what suits you WHEN it suits you, but I do advise doing something. There does seem to be a sense of not finishing things when a final memorial never happens. My mother died last year when Covid was still a major concern for many of those who would have attended a service, and I still feel like we didn't really close the circle of her life. We did hold a memorial, but it was sparsely attended (350 attended my dad's service in 2018), and no one stayed after for a casual luncheon we hosted.
Is your husband receiving hospice support?
My LO was peaceful until the very end. If your DH has symptoms of anxiety that are obvious to you, you can request that he receive soothing medication, and it is very reasonable on your part to request this.
Common symptoms of “suffering” might include groaning, thrashing from side to side, grabbing at sheets and blankets, rapid, shallow breathing.
If you’re not observing one or more of these or similar signs, he may hopefully be peacefully slipping away.
Hugs and thoughts of comfort to you. This is a very difficult part of life, so try to treat yourself well.
As for funeral arrangements, you should do what you are comfortable with, not what others expect. A straight cremation with no service is very affordable. If that's what you want, then that's what you should do. You still need money to live on. I see !little sense spending on the dead.