Prolonged Dying

Dear Suze, I married 40 years ago to a man 20 years my senior and now he’s dying. His dementia has dragged the family through years of grief as we die every day with him. I’m torn about my future. 

Dear Torn, Death of a loved one is life-changing. Unlike sudden death, dying over years draws out and intensifies the grieving process. Denial, bargaining, depression, anger are stages of grief that are not linear, but overlap, wax and wane, before acceptance of the loss. Your future is certain that you need to grow after death, and you'll be without your partner. Seek support systems and resources to blossom in your future life. -SQ