I really don't mean to snoop and look at what my wife has written on these boards but when I looked at our shared ipad this forum was open. Shannon has told me about posting here through this struggle we have gone through. I just want to thank all of you for being there for her as she grieved. She hurt so bad. The thing about it all is that I'm a strong man. I built our lake house by hand. I work hard every day and there isn't much that either scares or shakes me. But let me tell you about my wife Shannon. She is kind and sweet and always looks at the bright side of any situation. While this boy is crabby she smiles. When I am down, she lifts me up. I am a strong man, but she is stronger. She is a rock.

And it was because she has always been my rock it scared me to see her so broken. This time I could do nothing to take the pain away from her. As a man it killed me to have to grab her by the arms when she said and cried that the only thing she wanted was to have Gunner back and to have to tell her it cannot happen. I had to be straight with her and it hurt me so bad. But I couldn't let her keep the hope that it could ever happen. Words cannot describe my pain at that unfortunate task yet it was something that had to be reiterated.

Shannon and I have been together since she was 17 and I was 18. 28 years . I was a lawless young man and she was and is so saintly that I really owe her my life. Through the years she taught me humility, patience, kindness, how to love and what is important in life. I owe her my life because if it wasn't for her simple, kind heart there is no telling where this rowdy boy would have ended up. We grew up together and my life has truly been blessed with her as my partner. She is a great mom and now a fantastic grandmother. I could go on for pages about how soft and sweet she is but that is not why I'm here.

I'm here to thank you all because she is really doing so much better. Her heart will always long for what was but with your help, she has come so far along. The light shines in her eyes again and I thank you all for that.

Shannon, I'm sure you'll read this and maybe a bit surprised. I don't mean to meddle. I want these fine folks know what a great person you are.

I love you Shannon and I thank you too. I am the one who has been blessed. I owe you my life.

Your loving husband,
Eric a.k.a Gunners Daddy

Sorry for the incoherent ramblings. I'm a tradesman and not a proficient writer.

Awww, Gunner's Dad !

Your letter beautifully expressed your sentiments and your love and heartfelt concern for your wife's journey through this year's tragic grief ! You sound like such a wonderful, supportive husband (and actually, a proficient writer too ). I can tell by your letter that you and your wife have a true, strong bond and that you 2 get through life's hardships with mutual support.


I'm sorry that you lost both Gunner and Squiggy. I know it has been a huge, excruciating blow to your family. They are still there with you but I know it's not the same as being able to see, hear, and hold them. We at this site have been helped during our own times of unspeakable grief, and we know how life-saving this site can be. We are here for you and your wife "for as long as you need us" -- as moon_beam always says.

Sending healing prayers your way. Thank you for your note!

Kathy

Hi, Eric, thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful tribute to your wife with us, and your own struggles through the physical losses of your beloved Gunner and Squiggy. I know so very well from first hand experience with many different types of losses in my life, and the emotional devastation that the effects of each of them have had through the healing process, that it helps to have someone who is stronger to hold onto - - to keep the healing journey on a straighter course instead of being adrift with an very uncertain destination. Your wife is blessed to have you for her husband who gives her the strength - - and course corrections - - she needs to keep a steady course through difficult times. And each of us here are blessed with the privilege to be able to offer comfort, support, encouragement, and hope to your wife, to you, and to all those who come here needing someone who has known the grief adjustment journey and is able to help guide a broken heart through the difficult moments. I personally am grateful that I have been able to be a part of helping to restore "the light [that] shines in her [your wife's] eyes again."

Please know that Shannon, and you, are in my thoughts and prayers, Eric, and that we are here for the both of you for as long and as often as you need us.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam