Five Years ago today, I lost my David - PSP Association

PSP Association

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Five Years ago today, I lost my David

Ratcliffe profile image
19 Replies

Time sort of flies. It was five years ago today that my David lost his fight against the evil PSP.

I know I don’t come on here all the time any more, but I wanted to mark the day, and also take the chance to say Hi to everyone on here, both people I know and the newcomers of recent years. You can do it people. You will manage to care for your loved ones, I promise, even though you might not think so.

Just dont’t ever give up…

Hugs to everyone,

Derek

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Ratcliffe profile image
Ratcliffe
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19 Replies
NannaB profile image
NannaB

So lovely to hear from you Ratcliffe. I was thinking of you the other day as I was remembering the times we met with the group in London. You are correct, time does fly. I think of my love Colin, nearly 6 years gone, every day, remembering the happy time but have a very active life and know there can be good times after PSP. I hope you are enjoying life now Ratcliffe. Our loved ones would like us to remember them but live making the most of every day. Best Wishes

XxxX

doglington profile image
doglington

Hi Derek. So good to hear a voice from the past !I remember meeting you in London.

Like you I'm surviving but remember so well the importance of this group in supporting each other through the nightmare of PSP

Love to you - I hope you are well.

from Jean xx

Motts profile image
Motts

SendingHugs... Granni B

Katiebow profile image
Katiebow

Hi Derek, Time passes sometimes it seems so far away and others just a blink of an eye. I lost Ben four and a half years ago and like many people on here, I found this forum a lifeline to be able to share all that PSP throws at at you and more importantly, you’re loved one. It’s a wicked disease but somehow you pull out all the stops and get on with caring for your loved one no matter what. Hope you are doing OK, guess like all of us, you have your moments and then get on with life but it will never seem complete without them. Sending love. Kate xx

Spiralsparkle profile image
Spiralsparkle

I don't come on here often either but have been thinking of those who connected with lately.

Hugs to all.

Heady profile image
Heady

What more can I add to what everyone else said. It was a lovely surprise to see your post. It will be six years for me at Christmas, seems like yesterday in some ways, another lifetime ago, in others. Miss Steve every day, but life does move on and I am happy again. I hope life is being kind to you as well Derek, (Henry!!!)This site saved me in more ways than one, I have made some lovely friends from here, which a group of us still Zoom weekly.

To those still in the grips of this evil disease, you can do this, as long as you accept that you can’t do it alone. Getting help and therefore rest for yourself, is vital to the care of your loved one.

Sending a very big hug to you Derek and much love.

Lots of love

Anne

Troubleandstrife profile image
Troubleandstrife

Thank you for this heartfelt message. I'm just 5 months out, and it's important to know that I may someday be ready to cheer people on, rather than always focusing on the harsher realities of being fully immersed in what felt/still feels like a bit of a really really bad dream. The fact is, we have to do it, and for that reason, we can and will. Because we love them.

AJK2001 profile image
AJK2001

Good to hear from you. You and the ladies who have replied were the people who helped and supported me when I first joined the forum. It was the kinship I felt from all of you that really helped me with the feelings of isolation I had and how nobody else got it. Here everybody "got it". Hope life is treating you well

Best wishes and thanks

daddyt profile image
daddyt

Sending a big man hug.

ncgardener799 profile image
ncgardener799

Good to hear from you! Time is going very quickly as I watch the decline of my husband of 53 years. It saddens me, but without the support of this group and others I truly don't know if I could make it through each day. Thanks for the encouragement Ratcliffe, it arrived at a much needed time. Hope you are coping and finding your way with peace and joyful memories. PAT

Nanny857 profile image
Nanny857

Hi Derek, it’s so lovely to hear from you and you’re right, time goes by so quickly. I find it hard to believe it’s nearly 3 years since Will past away. At our meeting in London did you say you were training for a marathon or did I take that up wrong. Any way I hope you are keeping well and keep remembering those happier times with David.

Lots of love

Marion xx

easterncedar profile image
easterncedar

Dear Derek, it’s lovely, as every one before me said, to hear from you. My sweetheart died 5 years ago this past spring. It’s so strange how time has passed. The community, including you of course, saved me, and I’ll always be grateful for the care and support. I second your encouraging words. Love and peace, ec/Sarah

easterncedar profile image
easterncedar

Amazing to see so many friends here right now. I miss and love you all! Thanks, Derek, for gathering the crowd.

Heady profile image
Heady in reply to easterncedar

Lovely to see you as well Sarah. Love and miss you too!Sending big hug and much love

Lots of love

Anne

Tippyleaf profile image
Tippyleaf

Dear DerekGood to see your post.

I hope more recent times have treated you kindly. Like so many I found the friendship and support from this forum ( and in person at our London meet ups) completely invaluable during those challenging times.

Sending lots of love and hugs

Tippy

Dickwin profile image
Dickwin

Hello Derek. It is very nice to hear from you. I joined this sight in early July, 5 years ago. At that time, my wife had just been re-diagnosed from PD to PSP, and she was given 4 to 7 years. David was the first person on this board who I observed in their final stage and I remember being very moved by your updates here. Your love, caring and commitment for David was quite moving and all I could do was hope I could be half as good as you were at caring for my spouse. You (and MANY others here) provided me with a template to follow, and I will be forever grateful. Best wishes and thanks for the guidance.

Warm Regards

Dick

Yvonneandgeorge profile image
Yvonneandgeorge

Oh lovely to see this post, time seems to go so quickly, I hope you are ok, they say time is a healer not sure about that. We had some amazing meet ups in London, hopefully we can do it again. Love you all for all the help and advice I was given from you all, it’s nearly 4 years for me. Xxx

Robbo1 profile image
Robbo1

Wow, all these names, which remind me of the support they gave me in some of the bleakest times. It’s five years and seven months since I lost my lovely husband. He is with me in spirit , and I miss him very much, but yes, now I can see some joy in living again.

I have just had a holiday with my grandchildren and it was good.

Thank you Derek, for your post. My best wishes to you in the future. X

Atomic55 profile image
Atomic55

hello, good to see your message, comforting to see fellow LGBT person in here. My husband Tom has CBD at v late stage. Dreading him leaving after 47 years. Not sure how I’ll survive but privileged to have been his husband and care for him over the last 14 years since this all started even though my temper has often overwhelmed me at times.

Best wishes to you, Mike

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