I haven't posted much anywhere in a very long time due to being a caregiver to my wife, Carol. She was valiantly fighting metastatic melanoma for 2 1/2 years, enduring surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and countless scans, tests, drugs and treatments, losing her battle on November 17th. This Christmas was the most depressing, sad occasion that a person could endure. I long to hold her again, feel her gentle touch, but it's not to be. We had been married just a few months shy of 50 years and she was my life, the type of woman that you're proud and happy to be with. High school sweethearts into our golden years. I have family nearby so it's not that I'm alone, still there is a most significant part of my life gone. She was my travel partner, sometimes shooting partner, spotter, cheerleader, wife, lover, best friend. She was quite a shooter too, one time she ran 15 pigs in a row with her Contender! Man, was that a happy day for us!
Last Christmas, out of the blue, she surprised me with a rifle, one that I casually mentioned a month or so earlier. Deep down I realize she knew that would probably be her last Christmas and made it memorable for me. Over the years she often managed to surprise me at Christmastime with gifts like a PACT chronograph, digital camera, and many hobby related items.
Attached is a picture of Carol from April of 09. Her hair had just come back after chemo and was only about 1/2" long. In the early fall she lost all that hair again after having whole brain radiation. No person should have to endure all that she went through. I'm sure there's a special spot for her in heaven and no one deserves it more than she. Carol was 67 years old.
I really lost interest in hunting and shooting during her illness and will now try to rekindle that fire from the remaining tiny ember still glowing.
I hope your Christmas was merry and have a happy new year. And give your wife a loving hug too. It'll make you both feel good.
Frank
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Originally Posted by square butte
