My partner of 17 years passed away two weeks ago tomorrow

[orleans]

5. i'm so sorry you are going through this

imo there is nothing harder in the world
especially when it comes out of the blue, giving no one time to mentally prepare
you were together a long time but not long enough
we never have enough time with those we love

the constant reminders of a beloved's absence in our day-to-day can be overwhelmingly emotionally exhausting.

but how wonderful and fortunate you both were to have found each other in this lifetime and love each other.
i believe love is transcending and keeps us connected through these times of transition we go through/anguish through.

you said you "keep thanking Whoever May Be Listening" for your once-in-a-lifetime love. well, i think the man you love is still listening to you, still there with you, and will be helping and guiding you as much as he can. (while i'm not a religious person i am a big believer in the afterlife and the concept of soul mates, which by the very name implies a deeper and more permanent connection that what we have in this physical world)

your op is a beautiful tribute to him.
he was just as fortunate to have you in his life as you were to have him.
i wish you the strength and energy to take care of yourself and your large family.
i wish you well. very much so.