Alongside of CT_Shooter and Sir Henry.

[PT7]

I last posted in mid-October 2017, and I have neither written nor read very much on the Henry Forum since that time. I’m traveling the same “grief-journey trail” that CT_Shooter and Sir Henry have been on; maybe there are other Forum Folk, who are on that road also. Partly what has prompted me to “re-enlist” in the HRF is the chat shared by both CT_Shooter and Sir Henry in this thread: http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=4140

Just eight months ago (July 2017) I also lost my wife, Joyce, of almost 34 years. This was after her 12-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease (terrible stuff), and I was her full-time caregiver for the last six years after I early-retired. There is really no way to express how incredibly difficult it is to lose your best friend and life’s partner. Persons who have had this experience know what it is. As far as my firearms and knife hobbies, I lost much interest in both, and came close to letting my gun cabinet and knife collection go by the wayside.

At the same time that I was silent on the Forum, CT_Shooter and I kept in touch by email and phone. We had “met” on this Forum as were both are “Founder” members. When we met, we were both caring for very ill wives, as I also learned that Sir Henry was doing. CT and I lost our wives within about three weeks of each other. He has become a really good friend, and does completely understand what this grief journey is all about, and how difficult it is. To my friend in this “new alone life.” Thanks very much, CT! It’s been to my benefit to travel this rocky path with you.

I did keep my gun cabinet and small knife collection, and have been going to the range again. But my ownership of both firearms and knives has changed from a year ago. Whenever I may post in the future, I’ll try to share a little about these changed interests, the “new happenings.” The changes are reflected in the guns and knives I now have, and what I’m doing with them.

A last comment. Although I’m doing okay and learning how to live again being alone, I still at times do stumble around. A memory of Joyce crops up just around the corner ready to trip me up, and the hurt rears up once again. So, there are yet those not-so-good days or moments. I’ve noticed the stumbling has lessened, but still is there. Sigh.

All that said, I’ll be around again from time-to-time; reading and maybe posting, too.

Greetings & best to Everyone. Have a good day.
PT7

[North Country Gal]

PT7, I am so pleased to have you back, again, and posting. You have been missed. I now all too well what that journey is like and how it changes your life and your interests and, especially, how it is strewn with rough spots. Hope being with us again will smooth some of those out for you. We'll give it our best. Welcome back.

[JEBar]

delighted to have you back in an active role, your contributions have been missed

[Cofisher]

Not having lost someone close to me, I cannot imagine the pain and grief. I do know, that having friends to share it with, and be supportive of you, it makes a big difference. Please know that you are in our prayers, and we think of you. You have been a big part of a lot of our lives. We are always glad to hear from you. God bless, Jim

[RanchRoper]

Keep the faith and lean on your friends when you need to. Good to hear from you.

[BigAl52]

PT glad your back with us. I have lost 2 wives one at an early age of 24 the other at the age of 49. Not losing a wife after as many years as you, CT and SH. did, I had time to recover and make another attempt. I cant even imagine going thru losing one when your in your senior years. I have a close friend here who lost his wife about 3 years ago after 40 plus years of marriage. Those feelings of missing your friend will never go away. They may not reoccur as often but they will be there when you least expect it. How you handle those recurrences is only something only you can deal with. No one can tell you how to handle it. We can only be here to be your friend and let you know we care as we do. I hope to see you post again and remember when one of those thoughts passes thru we are here thinking about you. Al

[Sir Henry]

Welcome back my friend. I wish there was something I could do or say but having been down that road I know how difficult it is to keep putting one foot in front of the other, so I say it again, welcome back my friend.

[daytime dave]

I'm glad you are back my friend. I am more glad to hear that you and CT_Shooter have connected and are helping each other on the journey you each must take.

Your contributions here are valued. As part of our family, like every one here is, I'm glad to have you back again.

[RetiredSeabee]

Good to hear from you, I recently read a new post in the knife forum on one of your threads. It made me realize that we hadn’t heard from you in a while. It also made me think of other members who for one reason or another have not been active.
I am glad that you and CT have been in touch and supporting each other.

[CT_Shooter]

To my friend in this “new alone life.” Thanks very much, CT! It’s been to my benefit to travel this rocky path with you.

I've never even met you! But over the years, we've written and talked and shared enough that I now feel as close to you as to my oldest friend in the world and even closer than most of my nearby relatives.

"Thanks very much, PT7". In my life, you are an angel.

[GFK]

Sorry about your loss PT7. Welcome back!

[Catherine]

Welcome back.

I can fully understand your loss as you already know.

I can fully understand the loss of interest in many things due to the loss of a loved one and/or due to a disability too.

God bless you on the next chapter in your life.

Cate