THANK YOU ALL

[Bumpkin_Clumber]

Just a brief thank you to all ABers - my wife of 8 years died suddenly at home in the early hours of last Tuesday morning. I was Ok at the time, my old training kicked in and I went into auto-pilot when I was doing CPR trying to revive her and waiting for the Ambulance. The two crews and I worked on her for 45 minutes to no avail. It was only later that things hit me.

After the undertaker had left, to try and find what to do next I turned to the internet and ChatterBank was still loaded from the previous night when my wife and I had endless chuckles over some of the repartee and replies. I started to read on. Unbeknownst to you lot you took my mind off the enormity of the situation. I’ve dipped in and out all week when I‘ve felt low, even posted some answers and got quite incensed with some contributors, I’ve laughed and cried with you.

Now I can start to breath again and feel up to having yet another go at innumerable government departments who keep referring me to someone else who passes me on - who passes me on - who passes >>>> and so on until I make a full circle and end up where I started

For all of your unwitting help may I give you all a big thank you, AB has stopped me tearing my hair out in clumps and kept me sane (Well, as sane as I ever was !).

[Smowball]

Oh I am so so sorry about your wife. i dont think that we have chatted but I am sending you a great big hug and we are all always here whenever you need to talk xx

[brenda]

Bumpkin -- so sorry for your loss. ABers are always here for you, so please don't forget us .If we can help we will.

[woofgang]

I am so sorry for your loss. I do know how you feel as I lost my dear husband last year. There are no words.

[mrs_overall]

I'm so sorry for your tragic loss xx

[mazie]

Really sorry for your loss Bumpkin. xx

[dickythecook]

You have my utmost sympathy. I wish you well in this time of heartache

[wolf63]

I'm sorry to hear about your wife Bumpkin.

I am sure that you managed to find some funny, sad, confusing and bizarre stories to read on AB.

If you have anything complicated to deal with regarding government departments the best place for you to go is the CAB. There are a few AB people who work or have worked within these departments but it is hard to give some good information or advice without all the details - and AB is not really secure enough for that.

Best wishes to you.

[lcg]

sending (((((hugs))))) to you, bumpkin. i am so sorry to hear of your news and appreciate how shocking it can be to experience what you have described. i wish you well and hope we can all continue to support you as you begin the difficult task of sorting things out. we will all try to bring some smiles and light through the hard times and help you in any way we can. i will be thinking of you x

[Mamyalynne]

Oh Bumpkin, how wonderful that in some small way we have unwittingly helped you through this dreadful time. You have my heartfelt sympathies and believe me I know how wonderful and helpful all on here were when I went through the same thing.

Stay in touch and ask for help if needed - be kind to yourself.

Mamya ♥

[nungate]

I am so sorry for your loss Bumpkin, and glad you found a little solace here on AB. We'll be here any time you need us.

[starone]

What a terrible experience for you bumpkin. I am so sorry to hear about it. When I lost my husband I got lots of help from ABers and I am sure you will too. Keep going, it does not go away, but it does get easier.

[ladybirder]

So sorry for your loss bumpkin and I'm pleased you are finding AB therapeutic. I guess it takes your mind off things. I don't expect you've had the funeral yet but you'll get a lot of support here to help you through the day. Ask away about anything you need to know as you have probably seen there is usually someone who knows the answer. Be good to yourself. X

[Flyhalf]

Sad to hear of your loss. Happy to have been of some help, however unwittingly.

[bigbadmarty]

Sorry to hear that sad news .

[Gavmacp]

My thoughts are with you!

[MASS1961]

My condolences Bumpkin, and a very thoughtful post from you too.

Very best wishes to you.

[rowanwitch]

my thoughts are with you right now and my good wishes that you get things sorted without too much more of a battle The good thing about AB is there is no real gap between the late night insomniacs and the early risers so there's usually someone around..if only for a kind word in the dark hours when the nights seem very long...

[rockyracoon]

Sorry for your loss bumpkin, keep popping in and out.

[DTCwordfan]

24 hours of insanity sometimes, Bumpkin, can I suggest the Apotheosis thread if you have any doubts about our mutual madness and the ability to generate a snigger of guffaw.

And more seriously, when you need a distant shoulder to kick against or to ask for that salient piece of advice, someone is there, almost 23/24 a day....(deliberate slip unless Mark Rae is still awake).

No, I am glad that we are all there for you, whatever you need to support you be it serious or more jovial. And I am sure you will find those happy moments that you had with your wife - that is what the transition and change is all about, good memories and going forward with happiness.