re: Elderly couples...when one dies

When my great grandfather was still alive he lived for two years after his wis wife passes. He was still smiling and friendly, but you could tell that he was the loneliest he had ever been. He had been with her for over 75 years. He never really had time in his life when she wasn't there. Even though he lived a long and happy life and was surrounded by his huge family when he died in his sleep, I think he wanted to die. I don't think he wanted to live in a world where she was not around.

Even tough it is sad that he was so lonely, it was also amazing that even after 93 years of living through the best and worse times of the 20th century, he still wanted nothing more than to sit in his recliner with a cup of coffee and talk to the love of his life.