ross

Hi, it's Ross again. I had the autopsy results today. Di died from a 2nd massive stroke in the same place as before, there was nothing anyone could have done. It was pure coincidence that she was eating at the time and then couldn't swallow, but it wasn't really choking, it was the whole body shutting down. Diane passed away very quickly and would have felt nothing. I'm not a religious person by most western standards, I've never believed in any God or Gods, but I do believe in an afterlife and in some higher plane of existance where I will meet Di again. For those who wish to say a prayer for Diane, or just spend some time in quiet thought, the funeral is June 27 at 12:30 GMT. Thanks again for the kind words and remember this: Live life to the full, but live it one day at a time and never, ever, give up! Ross

As Veggie's 'caregiver' (although I prefer the term husband) I can honestly say that I've not thought of leaving for one second. I don't stay because of any vow I made or of any sense of commitment, She's the same woman I married 20 years ago, just unable to do a few things now. All the things I do I also did for our kids when they were small and will probably do for our grandkids (if we get any), all of these things are done for love, pure & simple. The 10.5 months I spent visiting her in hospital, the arguing with medical staff, keeping down a job and making sure the kids were ok was the worst time in my life but I'd do it over and over again just to have her home for one day. The last 10 months when my wife has been home have really been the happiest of my life, not sure she believes me though, despite having all the 'nice' jobs to do. Despite what people say the caregiver has it easiest, I can go out when I want to within reason, I can eat what I want to, and I don't have to depend on others, plus I don't have to go away on business trips anymore. Apart from a few things my life is pretty much the same as before.