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June 2021

My sisters husband passed away from cancer and.......

Dj Tanner, on December 16, 2019 at 1:09 PM Posted in Family and Relationships 0 12
Hi All,
I need as much advice or help as possible. I’m getting married to my wonderful future husband and we’ve been together for almost 10 years. I’m so excited that we’re having our dream wedding but a huge part of me also has a huge sense of tremendous overwhelming guilt and heartache.... here it goes.... my older sister‘s husband passed away after a 3 and a half yr battle with cancer. He was the most AMAZING guy you could ever meet and he was PERFECT for my sister. When he was diagnosed at stage 4 my sister was pregnant with my niece and my BILs prognosis was not good. They weren’t sure exactly how much time he had left but they knew they had to get married rather quickly for arrangement purposes such as the house and his business etc.. My brother-in-law and sister were so in love and they were such larger than life people and I know that it was my sisters dream to always have a giant extravagant wedding with the whole 9 yards. It’s only been a few years since my brother-in-law has passed and the wounds are still fresh although I feel that no matter how much time these wounds will always be fresh and they will never heal. When I told my sister I was getting married she was very excited and she demanded to come with me wedding dress shopping which was a wonderful thing to hear. It’s just extremely hard for me because I want to tell her all about my wedding she’s the only sister I have. I have an older brother but it’s not the same as talking to your sister about your wedding. I know she’s happy for me And her and my future husband get along like family but I just feel like when I talk about my wedding it hurts her. I know if I talk to her about it I know she’ll say no I’m fine I’m so happy but I know that deep down inside it must be killing her and so I haven’t really been talking about my wedding with her at all. I just don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to not have so much heartache And feel so much pain about this issue. My emotions have been a tumultuous roller coaster! One minute I’m so excited about planning and one of the first people that I want to tell is my sister but then I get an overwhelming sense of pain and heartache and then I just start breaking down and crying because I know that I can’t. I’m also sad that my brother-in-law can’t be At my wedding. He was such an amazing guy and him and my sister and their child would’ve been the best family in the world. Every day I wake up and I wish that I could go back somehow and just trade my life for his every single day and i just feel this tremendous guilt. The reality that that option is not possible kills me. I just wish there was some time machine and some sort of devil that I could sell my soul to to change everything and I would in a second. How do I cure this heartache. Some days I wake up and I’m so grateful for everything that I have but then I just think that I’m being so selfish having a dream wedding only 2-3 years after he passed. Please. What do I do?

12 Comments

Latest activity by Dj Tanner, on December 16, 2019 at 6:44 PM
  • N
    VIP September 2020
    Neeva ·
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    So sorry about your loss.

    I think that you are definitely not selfish, healing takes time.

    Only you and your sister will know when it's time to have your wedding, honestly I would talk to her about it as well. Sometimes a big celebration can be nice for those grieving and other times triggering. It sounds like you guys are not ready yet but I would speak it over with your sister and family. Good luck!

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  • Katie
    Devoted March 2019
    Katie ·
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    Wow, I am so sorry for this heartache that tore into your family - cancer is never fair but unfortunately is in the cards for way too many wonderful people like your BIL. And now with your upcoming wedding, there's so much for you to navigate that it can feel impossible, but I promise you it's not!

    It sounds like you and your sister are close, so maybe you could try opening up to her about some of the issues that you pointed out in this letter. So far it seems she really wants to be involved in your wedding planning, and maybe, in its own way is something that is bringing her a bit of peace. Set aside some time to talk when you aren't out trying on wedding dresses or have somewhere to be and let the conversation go where it will, tell her how you're feeling here and listen to her when she will likely express some of her own sorrows about her husbands passing. Bring a box of tissues and put phones on silent because this will likely be a tough convo but at the end you both will feel so much better and likely closer for sharing.

    Let her know that if she is ever feeling overwhelmed or needs to take a step back from all things wedding, that you are here and fully understanding and want to help her any way you can. On the same note, she is clearly still wanting to be present for you and celebrate a time that deserves to be celebrated! Don't push her away, and make sure the two of you still have some special non-wedding sister time Smiley smile Everything is going to be okay!

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  • D
    June 2021
    Dj Tanner ·
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    Thanks for reaching out... it’s just nice to talk to someone who’s a total stranger that I can just let it all out to instead of my mom or friends. My FH is basically the only person I can talk to about it but it’s hard because hes very close with my family too and was right there with ya through it all so he also feels bad. I just feel so much better to say exactly how I feel to someone that I know is going to give me an honest answer. Thank you ♥️
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  • Kristen
    Master November 2020
    Kristen ·
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    I understand. I would limit talking about it with her because even though she will be greatly happy for you it could be hard. I would just discuss if she asks about it. Do you have good friends you can share these things with? I would say keep her in the loop about the big stuff but if you need to speak to her I am sure she will be there for you. I am sorry for this situation and I can imagine it would be hard but I do not think either of you would want to feel guilty for such a big day.

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  • D
    June 2021
    Dj Tanner ·
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    Thank you for the advice. It’s nice to know that theres such caring people. I’ve never posted about this on the forum before and really don’t open up much to anyone about my brother-in-law‘s passing as we were close but I’m just so thankful for forums right now haha. It’s so much easier to say this and not have to look at someone in the face.
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  • Mrs. S
    Master November 2019
    Mrs. S ·
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    It sounds like you’re assuming your sister’s feelings (something I do a lot but it’s not accurate or helpful). Your BIL would want you to live your life, not be stuck on this and let it hold you back. I would just do the wedding and find a way to honor him and other lost guests. We had pictures up and lit a candle. We also had a moment of silence during the ceremony.
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  • D
    June 2021
    Dj Tanner ·
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    Thank you for this advice. I’ve basically been doing this. I think it’s the easiest way that I’ve been trying to get through it so far. I’ve just been letting her initiate the questions first. Although I will say last week she asked me about it and then I started telling her but I stopped myself n kept it short because I felt like I could just see the sorrow in her face and it made me sick so I just stopped. But I do think your advice of letting her direct all wedding convo is prob for the best. Thank you ♥️
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  • D
    June 2021
    Dj Tanner ·
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    Yes this is something that I was also thinking about adding into the wedding but I’m kind of scared to when I don’t know how to approach it. I just have to keep it short because aside from my brother-in-law we’ve had a few other tragic losses unfortunately and I don’t want it to bring everyone down so I like this idea of a moment of silence, it seems not too abrasive.
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  • Kristen
    Master November 2020
    Kristen ·
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    Also, it is not the same but I came across these forums for advice but found this is a place I can share my questions or joys. Not the same as sharing with her but I knew I could not completely bombard my FH or friends. I know they are there and she will be but for some things maybe discuss with your mom or other close friends. I do feel keeping her in the plans for parties and the day of will be nice. Smiley smile

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  • Mrs. S
    Master November 2019
    Mrs. S ·
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    Yes it went smoothly. We didn’t name names, the officiant just said we’ll have a moment of silence in honor of those who are here in spirit
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  • Ingrid
    VIP October 2020
    Ingrid ·
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    I would advise having a conversation with her. She's excited for your happiness and I'm sure it gives her something to focus on. You cant hold back assuming you're hurting her especially if it's not true. And you're honoring her happiness with her hubby creating your own. Dont make up what you think she's feeling, ask her.
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  • D
    June 2021
    Dj Tanner ·
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    I know I shouldn't assume her feelings but I guess some of my assumptions come from when my cousin got married. She was a bridesmaid when my cousin got married last year. My sister broke down to me one day about being in her wedding and how she was so happy for my cousin but that it was really upsetting to her to go through someone’s wedding trying to stay happy when she was upset over not ever being able to have a wedding which I understand is a normal feeling that anyone in her situation I think may have. But you’re right. I just need to work up enough courage and talk to her about it. Thanks for reaching out ♥️
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