I feel the pain of those of lost one who passed alone and their family's that are grieving because..

[Maru Kitteh]

12. As a nurse who has worked rehab, and also as a daughter of a mom who had

a stroke, let me first say - I am so sorry you are going through this confusing and hurtful event at such an awful time in our history. Your post tears my heart out. This is so very hard. Please, make sure you have some kind of support around you if possible, even if it is (because covid) just someone to talk to on the phone and share your worry and grief. You must take care of yourself in order to be ready to care for your wife when you can.

Now, let me offer you some hope. I always say, strokes are like snowflakes and fingerprints - they share basic forms, but they are all very unique to each individual. Before my mom had her stroke, she was still driving, shopping, going on trips with friends and enjoying a great retirement. Suddenly with the stoke, she was completely unable to speak, not even a word. She could not move any part of the right side of her body. She could not walk. She needed a feeding tube. That was the worst Christmas of my life, but you know what? With steady work, two years later she was walking again, eating regular food, enjoying dining out, talking and laughing with friends and shopping trips we took together. While she lived with me after the stroke, she was still very much independent.

Nurses and staff are doing everything we can to help fill the void we know our patients are suffering from not having their loved ones close. It hurts so much to see their loneliness and know that although we try, and we truly do care deeply for them, we can never bring the comfort of a loved one at the bedside.

You have my warmest thoughts and wishes for your wife, and for you. Please feel free to share with us again if it is helpful to you. This is a caring community. We're here for you.