*** I DID IT! ***

Just when you think you have life sorted, Covid throws you a massive curve ball


My husband and I followed the rules to the letter, and some. We didn't eat out to help out. We still stood on his mum's doorstep. We still only visited my family if we could sit in the garden.


On 30th December, our GP advised John to go to A&E for a routine same day procedure following an ultrasound the day before. He did just this. I expected him home later that day. At hospital, they refused to do the procedure "same day" and admitted him. He tested negative. I didn't sleep that night. My 6th sense kicked in. It was the height of the pandemic. On day 4, someone tested positive on the ward. 6 days passed and they still didn't do procedure. On Day 6 John tested positive. He was kept in hospital 13 days.the procedure wasn't done and he was sent home on  Day 8 of testing positive.


He was extremely poorly and very weak. We both isolated. For 13 days I had not been able to visit him or speak to a doctor. He was so weak, he couldn't do anything for himself. He was Covid positive and no further forward with regards to the procedure BUT he was home. I could care for him


6 days later his temperature spiked and his breathing deteriorated. I called an ambulance. They took him in.  I didn't even kiss him goodbye. I thought he'd be coming back. Later that day I was told he wouldn't make it. 2 days later I was called for an end of life visit. Through PPE I said my goodbye to my barely conscious husband. How do you say goodbye? This time I couldn't kiss him goodbye. John had a CPAP mask on. I had a mask and a visor. I couldn't stroke his hand as I was wearing gloves. What sort of goodbye was that. 

Just over 5 hours later, he passed away, aged 53 with no vulnerable conditions.


I stumbled across WAY and thought I had nothing to lose. My life was already over. I joined some Sunday WAYWOC Zoom calls and quickly found new friends. Since meeting in person, I've arranged walks, local meals, a theatre trip and a zip line. These members are my friends. They are my family. WAY gave me a new lease of life, albeit different.


Why sky dive. Because I can. Because I want WAY to be able to continue to help widows (new and old) and help people find the best support network

Friends brought together through grief but united by friendship. We've laughed, cried, drank, laughed some more and cried again. Through a WAY friend, I now have hope in my life

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