My wife and I had a wonderful life together. We both had careers we enjoyed and looked forward to retirement. Retiring in 2016 we decided to travel, living in a camper, to see our great country while we had the health to do it. In 2019 we both decided to supplement our income, entering back into the work force. Things were economically becoming more difficult and then there was Covid.
Cancer had plagued my wife her entire life in one form or another. Breast cancer twice, lung cancer, losing her right lung, cancer in her reproductive organs leading to a hysterectomy, and finally multiple myeloma.
In December of 2023 my wife developed a severe pain in the thigh of her right leg. We assumed it was sciatica, but the pain continued to get worse. She went to a doctor who tried to treat her for the pain, but it continued to worsen. The doctor recommended a pet scan and that is when it was discovered that she had cancer again, multiple myeloma. A large mass attached to the back of the rib cage on the right side and another mass attached to the back of her right thigh bone. The mass on her thigh bone was extremely painful. Radiation on the leg was started in February of 2024. In mid-January my wife had lost her appetite because she would feel ill and often got sick after eating and she would not consume enough fluids. On the morning of February 13th, she was admitted to the hospital with complications of pneumonia and sepsis and in the afternoon of February 14th my wife passed away.
Losing a spouse is one of life’s most profound and emotionally challenging experiences. Amidst the grief and heartache, I was confronted with practical realities, including financial hardship. The death of my spouse has had significant financial implications, affecting everything from daily expenses to long-term financial security. Coping with these challenges is far more difficult than I had imagined.
One of the immediate financial impacts of losing a spouse is the loss of their income. For many families, especially those reliant on dual incomes, this sudden reduction can be devastating. It leads to difficulties in meeting basic needs such as mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, and groceries and at this time of year, paying taxes.
In addition to the immediate loss of income, I also faced unexpected expenses related to the death and funeral arrangements. We grossly underestimated adequate savings or insurance coverage, these expenses can quickly add up, further straining the finances. Medical bills were also incurred during my wife’s illness.
My wife and I had been living on our combined social security and we both worked as sub-contractors in the security guard industry. With the loss of her side of the income I went back to work as soon as possible to try and meet the ongoing financial obligations and the financial obligations of my wife’s passing.
I am not asking for so much that I would be financially independent, I just need a little help to get through this unexpected financial burden.
In closing I would say, if you have loved ones let them know how much you love them. And if losing them would impact you negatively financially, reevaluate your end-of-life plans.
To all of you who have taken the time to read this, thank you and have a blessed day.
In memory of my loving wife born October 29, 1951, died February 14, 2024.
All donations to the link below are greatly appreciated.
https://paypal.me/MSCarpenter3951?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US