I felt I needed to start my thread. My friends on Slowtrav have been so helpful that wanted to share my sad story.
My beloved husband of 24 years died of a massive heart attack on Monday leaving three sons....the youngest being 13 years.
I am so grateful for the help everyone gave us with the preplanning for our Europe trip this year.
Thanks for listening and perhaps in the future I will be asking for guidance for travel with my son and I. We both want to continue our passion of travel on our own. We don't want to stay home for Christmas and both feel like we want to skip Christmas.

Our hearts are broken and we miss our husband/father.



Sandy

What a very sad post.

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts of strength and consolation to your family

Pat

Sandy,
I am so sorry for your loss.

Sandy,

How devastating for you. I am so sorry.

I hope that the happy memories that you have will sustain you during this very sad time.

Nancy

Dear Sandi, My heart is aching for you and your sons. I'm so sorry to hear about this tragic loss. I'm glad you chose to share your sorrow here. I've read your trip report and am greatful that you were able to have this shared journey with your husband. I hope that it will be those kinds of warm memories that will help fill the void of his absence. My sincere condolences.
Barb Cabot

"God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December".

Sandy,

I am also sad for your great loss. You will always find friendship and support in this community. I will keep you in my thoughts during this difficult time. I hope you and your family will find comfort in your happy memories.

Sandy,
My deepest condolences. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sandy, this loss is so shocking.
I just reread your family's grand tour earlier this year. What great stories; you hit all the top spots. Remember this: you organized for Derek a dream of a grand tour that most others only proverbially dream of. He has seen so much and enjoyed so much with you.
One day these memories that make you sad now will be warming to you.
Again, am very very sorry.

Sandy,

Thank you for letting us know about the death of Derek. I recently enjoyed reading your trip report, so Derek lives on in your words and memories.

Blessings and waves of healing come your way as you journey through this challenging time.

Sandy, so sorry for your loss, take care of yourself and those boys.

My deepest condolences to you, Sandy, and your family.

Sandy,
We are all very shocked and saddened by your news, and can only imagine everything you're dealing with right now on top of those feelings.

It's okay to do things that might not be traditional, but are right for YOU and your family as you heal.

With sincere condolences, Colleen

Sandy, I feel the loss of your beloved husband. Your trip to Europe will be one of the memories that will give you comfort while you go through the grieving process. In time, you will look back on that special experience with joy. Take care of you and your boys.

Chiqui

Sandy, I am so terribly sorry for you and your sons.

This is an incredibly supportive community, please know that we are here for you.

Sandy, I am so shocked and sorry to hear your news. I also read your trip report and through that feel like I know your family a little. So it is so terrible to hear that one of them is gone.

Please take care of yourself. We are all thinking about you.

My deepest sympathy about your loss, Sandy. It is especially hard to deal with death especially when it is so unexpected. My prayers go out to you and your children.

Ida

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Sandy;

I am so sorry for you and your sons. My prayers are that God will comfort you in your grief.

Bill

Sandy,

I echo all the thoughts expressed above. I am so sorry for your loss, and that of your sons; I was not much older than your youngest is when my father died, so I understand very well your situation. My prayers and thoughts are for all of you.

Thank you for sharing; please know that this community cares very much, well beyond the travel advice we share so freely, so please stay in touch with us.

Sandy, deepest condolences to you and your families.

Alecto

Sandy and family,

I am so saddened to read of this news. Please know that I am keeping you and your sons in my thoughts and prayers. I am truly sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the saddness you all are feeling.

Mindy

Sandy - Echoing the thoughts expressed above, I wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear your news. Please take care of one another, and I hope our prayers and thoughts will help as you move forward.

Judy

Oh Sandy--I'm so, so sorry to hear about Derek. I had enjoyed reading about your adventures last year, and I am sure with your spirit and what you together instilled in your boys there will be many more trips in the future for your family. You and your sons are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sandy,

I am so shocked by your loss and my deepest condolences to you and your sons. Your memories will be so valuable in your healing process. Don't make any rash decisions regarding your near future, though. You might decide having a normal (for your family) Christmas is what you might need by that time.

Again my condolences,
Denise

Sandy, What heartbreaking news!!
I am so happy that your family had a wonderful European adventure this last year!!
Wishing you love and protection during this time of pain!!

Sandy,

I am so glad you had the strength to post. We all share, in some small way, in your loss.

I hope that knowing how much we care is a comfort to you.

jan