The love of my life died when she was 38. Our four children were 15, 13, 11 and 9 at the time. They’re currently 22, 24, 26, 28. I did my best that I knew how to do. I know it is not what they deserved. I could never take her place.
I do not think that I can impart, with words, how hard it was keeping her from the things that would harm her most. Aa time goes on, the trauma hits me harder, as I let it in, little by little.
I love my late wife. I love the mother of my children. Keeping her from hurting herself was… Difficult.
The wracking sobs as I called 911, while performing CPR on her. It’s been almost 15 years and it’s still traumatizing.
Her mother blames me for her death. To be honest. She might be right. I didn’t keep her baby safe. I could have tried harder. I could have insisted on her being committed. I could have abrogated her right to self determination. But I didn’t. And that’s on me.
But I can’t tell her mother that. Or her sons or daughter.
Instead. I tell you. Thanks for listening.
Wow, I’m sorry for your loss. And like you said, you did your best.
I’m concerned by this. Dealing with this trauma is unimaginable, but I don’t think it should be getting worse. Have you tried therapy? I don’t want to come across as “get over it”, but I bet your wife would want you to confront it and live your best life…
Yeah, the kids and I all have gone to therapy, but we all occasionally have “flare-ups” of grief. I guess mine tend to focus more on guilt that I know (and have worked through) I don’t deserve. Not only writing it down but laying it bare for strangers is the best therapy (for me).