I don’t normally use this blog to speak in depth about our personal lives, but today I am going to make an exception.
I am dedicating this post to my late husband Bill, a/k/a Mr. Cucina. He was my love, constant companion and best friend for over 26 years. We had just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.
He had been sick for a very long time. We first learned of his heart condition in 2011 and would later find out that he had cardiac amyloidosis, a rare and incurable disease.
In July of 2023 he finally succumbed to congestive heart failure and gently passed from this world, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and love.
I do not exaggerate when I say that I would not be who I am today without this man. From day one he supported me in everything, and I doubt my little blog would have had any success without his constant encouragement.
When I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2017, he helped me to embrace this new way of cooking with positivity, and to be thankful for answers to my lifelong medical issues. He lavished me with kitchen tools, pots and pans and all the “cooking sticks” that I could want.
We were one of those couples who did everything together, especially after retirement. As he grew more ill our lives became focused around his health and I did everything in my power to continue taking care of him at home, nearly until the end.
Oh, how I am going to miss him, and all the little things we used to do together. We met later in life, but we were blessed to have 20 years of marriage and many, many good times. We always appreciated one another and valued the simpler things. Food, love and family. This “Cucina” is going to be an empty place without him.
Thank you for reading, friends. And for all who have sent messages of sympathy I am so grateful for your kindness.
I am taking time to grieve and will be away from social media for a short time. Rest assured that I will return, and in the meantime please say a prayer for us.
Leslie
What a beautiful love story! My husband up is 25 years older than me and we’ve been married for 26 years this year! He’s getting a pacemaker this month. He’s been through so much testing and new doctors! We moved to a smaller town 3 years ago and it’s been such a blessing! The medical care has been excellent and the people are such a joy! It’s so wonderful for us to finish our marriage here and work on new recipes in our slower life. Thank you for sharing your story! I know I’m facing the end with my husband and I’m cherishing every moment as I know you did.
Oh Christine, my heart goes out to you. You are so right, cherish every moment with him. In the end no matter how much time we have, when you love someone dearly it is never enough.
Take all the time you need. What a beautiful remembrance.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you Leslie. What a blessing to have found each other and to have had a beautiful, loving relationship. May you find comfort and peace moving forward and may God be with you in every step.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful tribute to your husband, Leslie. I’m sending you more love, condolences, and prayers. It’s an amazing gift to have had such a great love but the profound loss takes one’s breath away.
Hugs,
Shirley
Oh Leslie, my heart goes out to you as you grieve this terrible loss. I am so sorry to read about Mr Cucina’s passing. This is a beautiful tribute to your husband. It is very hard to know what to say, but please know you are both definitely in my thoughts and prayers. Sending much love from across the pond.