Yes
@Marmalade our memories are all we have now and they are precious. We also had caravan holidays although ours was a touring caravan and we travelled all over the UK.
Those memories have been with me a lot during this real summer weather. Recalling relaxed, contented times spent together. But although mainly happy remembering, also at times mixed with sadness and tears come. I can imagine how you are feeling. We continued as long as dementia allowed, our last caravan holiday was 2008. Probably a year too late.
It is two years, two weeks and two days since Henry died and like Izzy I found the second year harder. Less emotionally raw than the first but still difficult. Sometimes in unexpected ways.
I am another who misses the holding hands, the sharing. The togetherness.
When life was normal I did have holidays without Henry, with his blessing, and it was good to come home and share in a different way. Group painting holidays, getting together with friends of many years in England and Wales, to Paris with Elaine (the year after Henry and I were there), and then back again on my own. Elaine had been before, Henry had enjoyed it, I fell in love with it. So many art gallerys, museums - and Monet’s blissful Giverny.
I also went alone to Majorca, where we had been together, and to Australia to stay with my Dad. A second visit Henry and I went together which was special. Great to share with him that time.
So I
think that I could have travelled as some of you are doing, Not having Henry to come home to afterwards I don’t know how I would have felt, but I would have given it a go. If you don't try you will never know.
But I became unexpectedly housebound three years ago - and not due to old age although I am old now. I still feel like 'me' but my body does not feel like mine!
Old age crept upon me, caught me off-guard...
Mainly cancer and cancer treatment-related problems which have progressed over the years then suddenly escalated. Now resulting in severe mobility problems. So I ain’t goin’ nowhere!
It does makes widowhood harder and it is almost inevitable that I 'brood'. At times. I do try to avoid it. I need to try to accept.
@Izzy I wouldn’t recommend the 'alternative’ to your holidays! That goes for all of you. Carpe Diem.
When I holidayed solo in Majorca I was 60 and met several widows in the hotel in their seventies and a delightful one in her 80’s who had been holidaying solo for years. We met in the evenings for drinks, chat and some of us walked together.
They had obviously grown into holidaying solo, but that's not to say they did not miss their other half. Changes take time and are not easy.
@nellbelles if you enjoy your caravan but in a different way, I hope you can continue as long as possible.
@Grannie G four years does not always feel as long as it sounds. We can only go by our instinct and do what feels right for us when it does. You sound to have reached that point and to have enjoyed your holidays.
As always I write too much.
Love
Loo xxx