LifeLines

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(Edited)

I've been sailing stormy seas and riding perilous roads for the past six months.

Lifelines were, and still are needed, as well as a steady hand on that steering wheel, at times not knowing where I fit in this new world I find myself in!

Most of all I've had to dig deep to continue this journey on my own.

After seventy years of always having someone to guide me and protect me - firstly my parents, and then my soulmate, finding myself all alone at a ripe old age, has not been easy. However, I am a big girl now, so no more 'I can't's ', there is no such word in my dictionary any longer, but having to go it alone is tough. No one can ever replace my man.

As I said to @fionasfavourites who started this lone walk a few months before me, and who coincidentally is on the same page as me today with her blog, I do not mind being alone, actually welcome solitude, at times, but knowing that he no longer is sitting in his favourite chair and will never walk through that door again, becomes unbearable at times.
I can no longer tell him about the things I've experienced, or ask him a question, and we can no longer sit together simply enjoying the silence, yet stay connected!

I know I sound like a drama queen, but just before my trip to the Netherlands, whatever could go wrong did go wrong. First on the casualty list was the cottage fridge, then the oven, and the kitchen sink mixer, the earth leakage kept on tripping in the main house where I live, and that was what led to a big investigation till the fault was found.

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What saved me from drowning or becoming a statistic on the road?

Lifelines like family, friends who care, and my loyal staff who have stood rock solid by me!

Cynthia came to hold my hand when I went to do the pre-admission for my hernia repair. I know I could have gone alone, but hit a real low and asked her to come with me on a joy ride for a brunch.
A heart of gold, always smiling, always encouraging, hubby used to call her 'my lady,' and what a wonderful lady she is indeed! She also misses her Mr. B.
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Then there's Bonginkosi, who has become the caretaker of our property and also become my caretaker; very protective. He not only has green fingers but also acquired DIY skills under the guiding hands of hubby so is very much in demand, working for a friend and neighbour on some days.

On this occasion I took Bonginkosi to the Durban Botanic Gardens, where we went on the guided golf-cart tour, he was in his element seeing the beautiful gardens with their majestic trees.


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Both these two special happy souls are the ones who are a constant presence, not only easing my load with tasks that need doing, going beyond their call of duty, and always caring and encouraging.

Then there's Poe, who instinctively knows when I'm not well or feeling down, chats to me in his miaowing dialect, telling me to stop pushing myself and go and sit down. It gets to the point where he'll lie on top of my feet so I cannot get up from the chair!
And I used to say I'm not a cat person!

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I have been immensely blessed to have wonderful family and very special friends, and I know with their help, the wounds will slowly heal, but the scars will never go away!


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31 comments
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I know I sound like a drama queen

Not at all!!! If one does not mourn or grief or cry or get upset when their partner for life dies, then they must be made of stone. Your lifelines are there for you because of your love and kindness towards them in the past, and I'm sure they will be there for you for as long as you need them.

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Thank you, dear Pauline, it is so good to know that I have good friends here on Hive as well. Writing has helped me deal with my emotions. I don't have time for counseling etc, and find writing helps way more.
Our staff are like family, and we've always treated them as such. They are very special.

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It is obvious to me that you have the strength of Ma Lily, and in time you will get through the tough periods. But you are right, as the scars will always remain Lady Lizzie.
All blessings to you and you are covered in prayer for Thursday's event.

!PIZZA and all of our !LUV.

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Thank you so much, my friend, I really appreciate you and Marian, it's as if you know when things are getting tough on this side.
It's actually the second time that I'm looking forward to an operation, the first time was with a slipped disc which was agonizing, and now this hernia! I feel confident that it will go well. Thank you for your prayers xxx

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In my 20s I had to work every day, as my kids were small and we had to survive. I worked in construction as a foreman, and I simply ignored the hernia trouble that I had. Until it got so bad that I struggled to walk. The hernia created a tear in my stomach lining, and it dropped through into my scrotum. No need to tell you that the surgeon was surprised at the size of it when he took it out. He said that he would keep it in a bottle to show his students.

So, I am glad that you are now finally going to have your hernia seen to Lady Lizzie and we hope and pray that the doctor will do a great job.
So soon you will be able to dance again and feel like a 20 year old. 😊❤️

!PIZZA and !LUV

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You were lucky it did no cause more complications, it must have been such a relief afterwards, once it healed of course. Gosh, but it's a very painful procedure, doc warned me but I didn't think it would be so bad! Glad it's done though!

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Oh yes, it did indeed leave complications that I still struggle with to this day. Oh yes, I agree as it is indeed very painful afterwards, but thankfully not for a long time.
Your one shouldn't leave any complications, as your stomach lining wasn't broken by it.
So soon you will be running around again with no pain 🙏😊

!PIZZA and !LUV

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Every day already is a little better, very thankful🙏🏻

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Yep! God is good and we are glad about your progress 🙏😊

!PIZZA and !LUV

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Lizelle, I completely agree: I am so grateful to live where I do and be surrounded by people who get, and hold me. They are, indeed, the lifelines we need. I am so glad you have them, too.

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I can only imagine just how difficult it must be for someone going through a loss like this without any lifelines, we both are blessed in that respect, and I am so thankful for that!

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Great staff become friends and just do things. So am glad you have yours and are getting through things one day at a time Lizzie.

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You are so right Ed, our staff really are like family, and yes, it still is one day at a time. Some days I feel like I'm coping brilliantly and out of the blue the slightest thing triggers the immense sadness again.
One needs to take time out alone, but also be willing to take those hands that reach out to help, and I am so thankful for them!

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Sending hugs, L.

It can't be easy at all. This process. And loss <3

I'm glad you have these good people around you. And Poe. And you weren't sure about Poe :D Glad you accepted them into your world!

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Yes, Poe was the biggest surprise, but, the garden birds who were my first love, have dwindled despite me scolding him!

I never thought it would be this bad, but life goes on, as they say, and it still has its wonderful moments.

Thank you Nicky and a big hug to you as well xxx

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Of course it would be this bad :(

It's big.

Take it slow and easy, angel. It takes time...

Please stay connected while you navigate it <3

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I've been out of action getting my hernia fixed am suffering the consequences of that, darned painful!

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Oh my darling woman.

It never rains... :(

Try and slow down for a while and heal, would be my suggestion ❤️

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You said something that resonated with me...

I can no longer tell him about the things I've experienced, or ask him a question, and we can no longer sit together simply enjoying the silence...

I have found that the more people I loose the more I talk to myself. Haha.. Funny yet true. My wife say's she has noticed too. I talk to Molly and Pepper as well as grandparents, siblings and several other close family members and friends alike, that have passed. I still sort out my worries and work through my decisions by talking to them. Sometimes in silence is the best.

I hope your journey, although missing that very special soul mate, becomes clearer and less burdened by the sorrow. He sounds like he was the perfect fit and confidant for you. I know I said it before but I am sorry for your loss. Moving on sucks.

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He certainly was the perfect fit, and I still talk to him at times, although it's mostly scolding him for 'running away' without any warning.
People who have lost loved ones say that it's good to talk to those who have departed, so it's not so crazy!
Your sweet Molly and Pepper were just the cutest.
Sorry I took so long to respond but spent time in hospital for surgery, stayed longer than expected.
Hope you're having a good week @bdmillergallery, and thank you for your encouragement 🤗

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I'm still unmarried so I may never understand how it feels to have a soulmate gone and leaving you alone but I do practice similar lifelines; family, friends, pets.

May you keep sharing your journey in your ripe age for young ones like me.☺️

💛Made my way here through #dreemport. #Dreemerforlife

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Thank you for the visit @jellyvine, unfortunately it's something we all have to face one day, of course unless we're the first one to leave!
We have to get on with life though😉

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Thank God for lifelines in our lives when we need them. May you continually find help and encouragement at every point where you need it. You are not a drama queen, rather a strong lady who is courageous enough to share her how she feels.

I came in from #dreemport.
#dreemerforlife

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Oh those lifelines are so vital, we don't realize the value of it until going through a crisis. I'm blessed indeed🤗

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That's right, ma'am! You are truly blessed.

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Losing a loved one can make you feel like living is worthless. They're moments you'd wait patiently for them to say their favourite words to you, or even walk through the door .
Grieving is a form of healing,and it's totally normal.

It's nice to have people who genuinely care for you. I'm glad you're not alone and you have people who love and care for you by your side.
I wish you good luck on going to the doctor
#dreemerforlife

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It's been the absolute worst loss I've ever had to deal with, but having lifelines has made the grieving process so much easier to process!
Thank you for your kind words @meyateingi

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You're welcome 🫶, and have an amazing day today❤️✨

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