Antmaril's husband Mat..

[Mackey Mouse]

I heard from Marilyn this morning.. Her pm to me after I asked her how their night went:

"My beloved Mat passed away last night at 7:48 p.m. He passed peacefully while I held his hand. I have no words to describe my sadness. His funeral will be Saturday - our 34th wedding anniversary.

Thank you for your prayers. They meant a lot to me."

I wanted to let everyone know that our prayers did help him pass peacefully.. I have to believe that..

Thanks all.

[Jcricket Fan]

Thank you Marsha for letting us know about Mat's passing.

Continued prayers for you Marilyn as you face these next steps in your journey.

I know that the angels led your beloved Mat to paradise. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Peace be with you. :hug:
Colleen

[goldcupmom]

I'm thankful he is now without pain. I'll continue to pray for you & your family as I know the days ahead will not be easy ones!

God Bless & keep you!!

[WDWLVR]

Marilyn - I'm so glad that his passing was peaceful. I know it hurts so much right now but something to keep in mind. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I think that his passing at this moment and his burial on your wedding anniversary will help you remember the 34 wonderful years you did have together. In the future think of the happiness of your wedding day and not the sadness you feel right now. He will forever be with you in your heart and in your memories. :hug:

[kimis]

My prayers are continued for you. Remember he will always be in your heart.

[annie1995]

Your family is in my prayers during this difficult time:hug: . I am so very sorry for your loss

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

You and your family are in my prayers. Although I haven't posted to you before I did read of your story and am sorry to hear of what you and mat have gone through. I prayed for a peaceful passing for mat and am glad to hear he went peacefully.

take care

[Torontogal]

So sorry to hear. I know the pain. Lost my dad 5 months ago to Pancreatic Cancer too. It is a horrible disease which takes over very quickly. I pray they find a cure or proper screening for this.
My heartfelt condolences...

[zalansky]

So sorry Marilyn. :sad1:

I think I posted this on this board once a while back, but hospice had sent a Christmas card with the following verse, and I think its very true and worth repeating.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Our thoughts are with you - many, many hugs.

[disvaclub92]

Many thoughts and prayers to you and your family.:hug:

[TruBlu]

Marilyn,
My heart is broken for you. I know Saturday will be one of the hardest things you have ever done. No matter how "prepared" we think we are, we never really are. At least Mat will not be suffering on your anniversary. I am so sorry for your terrible loss. This disease is pure evil. I pray that someday we can beat it. :hug:

[mommasita]

I hope that with all the strength that we will all offer up on Saturday, it will help it be a little easier on you. :hug:

I will be out of town, but you will not be out my thoughts or prayers..

Huge prayers going out.:hug:

[Twingle]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.

[frdeb1999]

So very sorry on your loss. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. :hug:

[Shugardrawers]

Oh Marilyn, I'm so sorry. Saturday will be such a bittersweet day for you and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and in my heart.

[Mskanga]

I am so sorry for your loss , I wish I could take that pain away from you.

[antmaril]

Thanks everyone! It is going to be a difficult two days. Visitation is today and the memorial service is tomorrow. I'm praying for the strength to get through it all.

[safetymom]

Marilyn, I am glad to hear it was a peaceful passing. Please take comfort in your memories.

Remember it is ok to take life minutes at a time if you have to. We are always here to listen.

I will keep you all in my prayers.

[Mackey Mouse]

Marilyn, you are in my prayers and I am sending lots of positive energy your way to get through the next few days..

Hugs..

[safetymom]

Thinking of you today.

[Mackey Mouse]

Me as well... you are in my prayers today, and you son too..

Hugs, hugs, hugs..

[kimis]

antmaril you have been in my thoughts and prayers for a while but I am saying extra prayers for you for today. My heart goes out to you!

[antmaril]

Thanks everyone. My son and I are leaving for the church in a few minutes.
Visitation went well yesterday. Very well attended. A real tribute to my husband.

Now, I have to get through today. I would like to say a few words at the service, but I'm not sure I can do it. We'll see.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

Marilyn

[zalansky]

Our thoughts will be with you today. :grouphug:

[Jcricket Fan]

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers today.

Peace to you.
Colleen

[Mackey Mouse]

Stay strong, Marilyn, you can do it. You have done it all along...we are here for you.

[TruBlu]

:hug: Hugs and prayers today.

[antmaril]

I am home. Memorial Service was perfect. Music was absolutely beautiful (my husband was a life long musician and two of his very talented friends sang at the service - just beautiful). My husband's brother, my son and I all spoke at the service. There wasn't a dry eye in the place.

We had a very nice luncheon for 120 people and everything went off without a hitch.

Now I am home - exhausted, but pleased at how well the day went.

Thanks everyone for keeping me in your prayers. Tomorrow I start my new life - a life without my beloved Mat.

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I am so very sorry for your loss! :hug:

[safetymom]

We are here whenever you need us. I know how tough it is when everyone goes home and you are left alone in a quiet house.

Don't be afraid to reach out when you have one of "those" moments.

I can remember when my husband died feeling so alone in the middle of the night. I posted to a group that I belonged to and someone answered that they understood. They had walked the path of grief.

It does get softer.

[Elfstar]

I am so sorry for your loss; always remember all the joy you brought to each other's lives. :hug:

[Mackey Mouse]

Safetymom... I loved your words.. it does get softer.....beautiful..

Thanks for being one of my fellow mods that always checks in here... you know I appreciate you..

Marilyn.....I am so glad that Mat's services were so beautiful and a great tribute to his life... we are here for you, I know you know that.

[kat3668]

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time:hug:

[TruBlu]

More :hug: 's and prayers today. :hug:

I know that getting back to "normal" is the hardest part. I remember after my dad died thinking that I would never be able to do that. It took a while, but I finally found a new normal. I am praying for you to find yours without too much pain. :hug:

[TB'sWidow]

I am truly sorry for your loss. May god give you strength to get started on
this new chapter in your life.This is when it will be the hardest, after everyone goes home and you have to face it everyday. My prayers and thoughts are with you

[kimis]

Hi Marilyn. I was thinking about you and wondering how you are doing? You are in my prayers.

[antmaril]

Hi Marilyn. I was thinking about you and wondering how you are doing? You are in my prayers.

Thanks for asking. I'm doing fine. Trying to find my new normal. I retired from my job (after almost 37) years because Mat was ill. Of course, I was in the middle of this ordeal, so I never really felt like I was retired. It's starting to sink in now. I saw an old friend on Tuesday and I have a lunch date today with my fellow retirees. I haven't started my thank you notes yet. I'm taking this week off to recuperate. I know everyone will understand.

I am sad, of course, but I take comfort in knowing Mat is at peace and no longer suffering from that evil disease. I'm going to be ok - it will just take time.

Thanks everyone for your prayers and concern!

Marilyn

[safetymom]

Marilyn, I know that void after a loved one passes. My job was taking care of my husband and when he died I had lots of time on my hands.

It sounds like you are trying to stay busy. Good for you.

[Elfstar]

I'm glad you are doing as okay as can be expected - loss is never easy :hug:

Susan