Surrounded by flowers, she sits by your side

Dear June

IN January, my wife went into hospital to receive the care and attention she required.

We had been together almost 60 years from when we first met and always looked after each other.

Her admission was to build her up and to give me some time to recover from recent ill health.

She deteriorated very quickly and passed away unexpectedly in hospital during the night.

Is she all right?

I. S., Sutherland.

June Says

To lose a partner after 60 years together is devastating and life-changing.

Unfortunately it is not possible for life partners to cross over at the same time (although it occasionally happens) as you both have life journeys to fulfil.

Sadly, one partner has to be left behind while the other reunites with those gone before.

Their reunion is happy but those left are not forgotten and their partner won’t be far away.

This separation is not for ever, although at times it may seem like an eternity.

When the time is right and our physical life is over, those who we thought we’d lost will be there to welcome us with radiant smiles and open arms.

I am very aware of the strong scent of roses filling the air as I read your letter.

I see a small, slim lady sitting on a garden bench.

The colours of the many flowers around her are vast but I am drawn to the vibrant lilac-coloured shawl around her shoulders. I feel she was like a delicate flower in life.

I sense her life wasn’t easy with health but through it all she always managed to smile.

Her pleasures were simple ones that consisted of the love of her family and a great appreciation of nature and the outdoors.

I am drawn to a photo of her and again I am aware of a beautiful lilac colour.

She shows me her wedding ring, still on her finger.

A connection made through love and respect that has been built over the years will always remain strong and your good lady will be a constant by your side.

VERDICT

My wife’s name was Rosemary but she was known throughout her life as Rose.

Her health had been failing for many years but she loved to sit in our garden with the grandchildren around her.

She had always been very petite but latterly she became quite frail and, like you say, a delicate flower.

She never complained throughout her ill health and whenever family came to visit, her smile would light up her face.

Lilac was her favourite colour and a photo of her wearing lilac sits by our bed.

After her passing her jewellery was discussed and I told my children I wanted her wedding ring to remain on her finger as she will always be my wife.