By now, most of our readers know my husband Don passed away in February.

Oddly enough, he had seemed to be doing quite well. Later I learned that he most likely had started the beginning of his last journey back in October. We were reminded many times his lungs were the result of a progressive disease prone to chronic bronchitis.

My thanks to all who helped to give him that last month of time, bringing about some needed family healing and time for members to visit. Through the attention of our health and home care teams and Group Health pharmacists, he was given that extra time (yes, God works in his own mysterious ways, to be sure).

Wonderful events took place during that last month of life. Don was finally given recognition for his military years as a Merchant Marine under the Coast Guard during World War II. He waited a lifetime — from age 16 to 84 — for it.

He was accepted as a veteran into the Suquamish Warriors. These are full- fledged veterans of every race and belief who not only honor their fallen brothers but also help veterans get financial and medical aid they may have earned. Not every problem can be solved, but they do go out of their way to treat the spirit as well. These are the veterans who gave Don an honorable send-off in our little community cemetery March 9. The family will forever be grateful.

I have learned from being the remaining spouse about wading through the process of red tape one goes through after losing a mate. Fortunately, Don had always kept me aware of what I needed to do in case something should happen to one of us, and we had made our final arrangements years ago. It really removes a lot of pressure when going through a time of grief.

My advice to any couple is, please talk about the “what ifs.” No, it is not a pleasant subject, but it’s an important one. Last-minute decisions when you are upset are very hard to handle.

Because I am a pack rat by nature and never trust leaving information on my computer, I have copies of everything and anything in writing filed away in a bank box. After receiving the death certificates, and with one trip to the bank box, I had everything to start the process of putting my future together. With copies now sent to many entities — such as those related to finances, property and trust — to prove my situation, I can now begin to relax. I thank God everyday for my husband’s wisdom in having me prepared. I feel he still looks after me even today.

Now on to the future.

Don and I have always felt, “Sing no sad songs for me!” He is at peace. I know he waits for me, but until then I will do as he wished by keeping my eye on this large family, take a little time to smell the roses and look forward to tomorrow. As we always told our kids, “Life was not meant to be fair, but meant to be lived.”