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Something More Than Love: When Your Husband Dies and Takes Half Your Heart With Him
One breath. One moment. One foot in front of the other. That's how Patty Gilbride describes her method for surviving the days after losing the love of her life.
In Something More Than Love, the author details the last six weeks of her life with her husband and the impending reality of life without him. Through a series of emotional journal entries, this raw and deeply personal narrative describes the heart-wrenching truths of being an advocate and caregiver for her steadfast partner of 22 years after he was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. Despite the intense physical trauma that resulted, Dave retained his sense of hope, humor, charm, and dignity, even when it became evident that his aggressive cancer would never be cured.
Uniquely weaving in vivid memories of their life together, Patty captures the essence of their relationship, sharing the ups and downs of their marriage and the enduring strength of their bond. As she struggles with her long-held fear of death, Dave's imminent demise seems unimaginable. Yet even as he neared the end of his life, he continued to be the loving husband he always was, remaining a compassionate listener and a source of comfort that perfectly complemented Patty's self-sufficient yet anxious nature.
Agonizing over the pain of loss, Patty shares her grief-stricken days and the inability to foresee a life without her person. She questions what happens after death and ponders whether there is a God, an afterlife, or just finality when we die. Finding her way through questions without answers, she discovers that eternal love may be the most powerful force there is.
This memoir is a testament to the author's unwavering love for her husband, her immense gratitude for the time they shared, and the lasting impact of his presence on her life. It's also an unflinching account of the pain a caregiver endures during end-of-life and beyond.
Something More Than Love is a must-read for anyone struggling with losing the love of their life and for those who need to be reminded of the kind of love that exists in the world. While grief may seem endless, hope may be the path to healing.
In Something More Than Love, the author details the last six weeks of her life with her husband and the impending reality of life without him. Through a series of emotional journal entries, this raw and deeply personal narrative describes the heart-wrenching truths of being an advocate and caregiver for her steadfast partner of 22 years after he was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. Despite the intense physical trauma that resulted, Dave retained his sense of hope, humor, charm, and dignity, even when it became evident that his aggressive cancer would never be cured.
Uniquely weaving in vivid memories of their life together, Patty captures the essence of their relationship, sharing the ups and downs of their marriage and the enduring strength of their bond. As she struggles with her long-held fear of death, Dave's imminent demise seems unimaginable. Yet even as he neared the end of his life, he continued to be the loving husband he always was, remaining a compassionate listener and a source of comfort that perfectly complemented Patty's self-sufficient yet anxious nature.
Agonizing over the pain of loss, Patty shares her grief-stricken days and the inability to foresee a life without her person. She questions what happens after death and ponders whether there is a God, an afterlife, or just finality when we die. Finding her way through questions without answers, she discovers that eternal love may be the most powerful force there is.
This memoir is a testament to the author's unwavering love for her husband, her immense gratitude for the time they shared, and the lasting impact of his presence on her life. It's also an unflinching account of the pain a caregiver endures during end-of-life and beyond.
Something More Than Love is a must-read for anyone struggling with losing the love of their life and for those who need to be reminded of the kind of love that exists in the world. While grief may seem endless, hope may be the path to healing.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2025
9 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 9, 2025
First of all, full disclosure, I personally know/knew Patty and Dave. Both of whom are lovely people. Second, stock up on tissue before you begin. This is such a moving story. Normally a cover to cover in one sitting reader, I had to pace myself because it was such an emotional roller coaster. Patty lets you into the very inner circle of their journey, from diagnosis to death, and beyond to her road to a new life and what that may look like. There is no sugar coating of what death is like for Patty and her circle of close friends and family. This story will open the door to discussions about what happens behind closed doors in the months, weeks, and days leading up to death and what the thoughts and feelings are for those involved. While this is indeed a true love story, it isn't just about the love between Patty and Dave, but also between brothers and sisters, children and grand children, community members, pastors, and random people on the beach. Patty shares how chance encounters with others reveal how little we know about the lives of others yet how powerfully we can impact or be impacted by relative strangers. That in itself is a beautiful thing. It was heartwarming to read about all the ways lives were intertwined and heartbreaking to read the raw honest truth about the hard days, hours, minutes that Patty spent in pain all alone. Not because there was no one to call, but because some times you can only do certain things alone at that moment. I highly recommend this book to anyone - not just someone who has lost their love, or someone who has had a terrible diagnosis, but to everyone in hopes that you will take away the idea to live with those you love in a more honest and open way, making the most of your time together and on this earth.
February 24, 2025
Some of us fear death. Some of us fear our favorite person dying. This story is a beautiful account of a love story, from the beginning to the heartbreaking end … and the after. What happens to the person left? How does this person function without their mate? How do they climb out of, are stay away from grief? And what happens to our loved ones once they are gone?
Beautifully written. A combination of nostalgia and rawness from a woman who loves her husband more than words can describe. Worth every minute and every emotion you feel while living within this story.
Beautifully written. A combination of nostalgia and rawness from a woman who loves her husband more than words can describe. Worth every minute and every emotion you feel while living within this story.
February 5, 2025
Amazing, truthful and from the heart
I could not stop reading! Although different diagnosis/journey...I swear Patty was writing about MY emotions, MY thoughts, MY actual actions throughout the journey and now just 5 weeks after losing my husband/best friend to ALZ.
It was verification that I DID do my best for him. Her words after her loss gave me a lot to think about, and questions I will be asking God when its my 'end of the line'
I could not stop reading! Although different diagnosis/journey...I swear Patty was writing about MY emotions, MY thoughts, MY actual actions throughout the journey and now just 5 weeks after losing my husband/best friend to ALZ.
It was verification that I DID do my best for him. Her words after her loss gave me a lot to think about, and questions I will be asking God when its my 'end of the line'
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews