I am having waves of just despair about the new future I’m facing. Our family is quite tight with my husband and I, my teenagers and my parents.
I know anything can happen but at the moment I am going to lose my husband within a few years (if immunotherapy works), and probably my parents (both in 70’s), then my. Children will be off to Uni building their lives. Even the pets we have will likely have passed then due to age.
it feels so selfish to be worrying about my future when my husband has been robbed of his. I also can’t just simply start meeting friends more so there’s already something established, as I don’t want to miss any time I have left with my family.
I love them all so much and I’m just fearful of whether I’m actually strong enough to be on my own . Sorry for such a self-pity post.
Hi your fear is understandable and normal. Life is always harder for those left behind. Hopefully not everything happens at the same time so that you have time to take up hobbies, join groups and make new friends.
Children come back from Uni regularly and even after they finish Uni a lot of them live at home for a few years until they sort themselves out.
There are lots of groups you can join like book clubs, theatre clubs, walking groups, bridge, crafts etc. If you're religious church is also a really social and supportive place.
Volunteering (if you no longer work) is another very rewarding way to meet new friends and not be sat at home alone feeling lonely.
If you like being around children you can look into becoming a part time nanny. If you like teaching you can volunteer as a tutor (it's one of the things I do and it's great).
Focus on making the most of the time you have with your husband and when the time comes if you want to meet new people or keep yourself busy there will be plenty you can do, no need to worry about it now.
Thank you so much for listening and taking the time to reply and offer encouragement GodWilling, I really appreciate your kind words and advice.
I have to keep reminding myself that we’re always learning and adapting, and hopefully I’ll have a few years with my husband first if we’re lucky enough.
Take care and best Wishes xx
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