Vale Bruce - 5/9/1944 to 11/7/2006

Hi All,

It's been since Anzac Day 2006 since I blogged. The reason being that my hubby was diagnosed with Gastric Cancer on the 24th April, and our whole world was turned upside down and inside out. At Bruce's request his illness was not put on my blog because he didn't want anyone to know as he was determined he would be well and back at work before Christmas.

Bruce was only sick for approx 4 mths and then he was gone. He passed away, peacefully, on 11th July, 2006, at home after a 2 week stay in hospital. Bruce was strong and courageous throughout and did not let on to me that he knew he would not make Christmas. In fact, he thought he would see all the birthdays in our family but probably not our 21st Wedding Anniversary, which was 30th November, 2006. He left me a card in his shed for our anniversary saying "I Love You, Always Have, Always Will". I found that card about 6 weeks after he passed away and luckily in plenty of time for our anniversary.

The past 15 months have been heartbreaking and soul searching for me. Bruce has 4 grown up kids and it seems that they are not speaking to me now. That's OK, they weren't there for their Dad when he was sick so why should I expect them to bebhere for me now. I miss them and the 9 grand children but find that the stresses in my life are now minimal because there is no friction or greed now.

Without going into any detail it is a sad state of affairs to spend 25 years of your life with someone and help rear his children and be asked to be the preferred Nanna to the grandies and then find that they really don't care anyway and probably never did. Bruce and I didn't have any children of our own so I have been distraught at my loss of 4 kids, their partners and 9 grandchilren. I am blessed with a beautiful family on my side of the fence though, a wonderful bunch of friends from all walks of life and my local community who quietly watch out for me.

I can live with my conscience and I know in my heart that Bruce and I loved each other dearly and we were the typical companions, ready for retirement and planning a future in our new caravan. Those plans needn't change too much except that I carry on without him. He shall be there in spirit with me when I travel.

I've enclosed a pic of Bruce and I, taken on 10th March 2006. He was perfectly well that day but the next week he wasn't.

Hugs

Ronnie