When my wife of 34 years passed away last year I experienced an avalanche of emotions. Her death was unexpected, though not sudden. She was a 10-year cancer survivor, who was dubious when doctors told her she was “cured.” Her worst fears were realized when her breast cancer metastasized in her bones and liver.
They say there are five stages of grief. I felt all those: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance… and guilt. How did this happen? Why wasn’t I a better husband? How do I move on? Interwoven within that grief I experienced three distinct stages of guilt.
