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196 Photos, One Life

Peter passed away on October 11th at 4:30 p.m.  Jeremy, Seth and I were able to say good-bye to him at home.  His room was full of sunshine, and Mozart CDs had been playing non-stop. 

I had fifty-six wonderful years with that man. During the past eight months, his capacity to do the things he loved diminished steadily and he decided he didn’t want to live any longer.

On October 13th, as friends came to offer their condolences, our computer showed a repeating slideshow of 196 photos of Peter’s life.  They were all of happy times, and that is how I will remember him.

Rest in peace, my love.

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24 responses to “196 Photos, One Life”

  1. Janet Gottlieb Avatar
    Janet Gottlieb

    May his memory be for a blessing. Love and strength to all of you.

    Reply
  2. Lillian Avatar
    Lillian

    My deepest condolences. We feel like we have known Peter through your writing. Thank you for sharing him with us. May your family find comfort during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  3. Nancy (Ponder) Callahan Avatar
    Nancy (Ponder) Callahan

    Judy,
    I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    Reply
  4. Elle Avatar
    Elle

    My condolences to you and the boys. God Bless you all as you grieve and move forward in your lives. Hugs to you all.

    Reply
  5. Monica James Avatar
    Monica James

    My sincere condolences to you and your family.

    Reply
  6. Sheila Reid Avatar
    Sheila Reid

    Our experience was very much like yours. My husband Frederic left us this March after our 15 year fight with Parkinson’s. He showed amazing courage in that he never complained once about his illness and we were together 40 years. I’m a visual artist and we had spent all the previous years traveling to my exhibitions in 13 different countries. He was always a wonderful support and help.
    To keep sane during the 15 years of his illness I wrote a book called ART & CREAKY BONES that’s illustrated by 70 of my newest work, 400 collages that I call ‘Plenitude’. The book explores how and why a creative activity keeps us healthier in later years and actually helps us live longer. It received six awards for Aging, Inspiration and Art, which pleased me because it meant that people are receptive to a creative life and that’s such a wonderful aid when you’re lonely. Thank you so much for this blog. I was really happy to find you..

    Reply
  7. Janet and John Avatar
    Janet and John

    Our deepest condolences. May he Rest In Peace.
    Janet and John

    Reply
  8. Maureen Helen Avatar
    Maureen Helen

    So sorry for your loss, dear Judy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  9. Becky Avatar
    Becky

    What a wonderful love and partnership you were blessed with, Judy. As Lillian said, thank you for sharing Peter with us. It’s so good that your sons could be there with you this week. My thoughts are with you as you navigate these new waters ahead, hoping that you can find strength and peace.

    Reply
  10. Bob Kusik Avatar
    Bob Kusik

    Peter Kugel was one of the most influential people in my life. When I first arrived at MIT/Cambridge (1966), it was Peter who introduced me to a whole new world of technical and cultural wonder. That was one of the most wonderful periods of my life. I haven’t seen him for many years so I have the privilege of remembering him as a young man with contagious enthusiasm.

    Reply
  11. Anne Stewart Avatar
    Anne Stewart

    Oh so sorry to hear this news, Judy. I know you were soulmates and I so admire the fact that he decided to die in his own way with you and your sons at his side. Peace be with you.

    Reply
  12. MW Avatar
    MW

    Sending condolences and wrapping you and your family in love.

    Reply
  13. Susan Hansen Avatar
    Susan Hansen

    Peter’s was a life well lived. Now sending you support, Judy, as you forge ahead.

    Reply
  14. Juliet Avatar
    Juliet

    What a huge loss this must be for you, Judy. May all those rich memories wrap around you like a warm cloak and comfort you constantly. Much love as you learn to live without Peter’s physical presence in your life. I too feel that I’ve got to know him through your blog. It was a privilege.

    Reply
  15. Liz Drahman Avatar
    Liz Drahman

    Judy, I was stunned to read your 10/10 entry about Peter’s decision. It stayed with me until just now when I read that he died the next day.
    I admire your bravery in sharing these traumatic events with your readers. I have been a reader for years, and I always reflect on your experiences as my husband and I age at now, 74 and 78. We began our lives together 52 years ago in a non-traditional way as ex-pats working in Asia and raising our daughter there. Twelve years ago, we had to come back to care for my father. Then, we found ourselves in a kind of culture shock of stasis of movement and aging in place. It was then that I found your words of wisdom and have stood on the sidelines rooting for you and your husband. Today, I continue to root for you and for Peter’s spirit.
    I hope you can rest and find comfort from your family and friends.

    Reply
  16. Debbie Newhouse Avatar
    Debbie Newhouse

    Sending love and lifting a glass to a life well lived!

    Reply
  17. Devonia Cochran Avatar
    Devonia Cochran

    My heartfelt condolences…your love and your friendship were a joy to read. So thankful you all were not alone . May all the sweet memories give you comfort in the days and months ahead. Prayers from Tennessee for a lady I admire .

    Reply
  18. Janet Avatar
    Janet

    Judy,
    So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with us, I thoroughly enjoyed all the anecdotal stories about him as well as his own comments. Sending you wishes for peace.
    Janet

    Reply
  19. Linda McMahan Avatar
    Linda McMahan

    Hi Judy,
    I am so sad 😞 for your loss. My deepest and sincere condolence to you and your family. Peter had a long and wonderful life. May he has blessed memory. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
    Linda

    Reply
  20. Robyn Champion Avatar
    Robyn Champion

    I’m so sorry; I wish you strength and peace in the coming days, Judy.

    Reply
  21. Jacquelyn Farm Avatar
    Jacquelyn Farm

    May his memory be for a blessing.

    Reply
  22. Iris Avatar
    Iris

    You are surely in my thoughts and prayers. I lost my husband to lung cancer 16 years ago on October 16. I was blessed to have him at home with me. Thankfully you had a lot of years with Peter. My sincere condolences.
    Iris

    Reply
  23. Deborah Anderson Avatar
    Deborah Anderson

    Dear Judy and family, as a committed follower of your newsletter, I have felt you , Peter, your sons , grandchildren etc are a part of my extended family. I read with great interest about your move to DC and your return to Boston. I worried about Peter’s declining health,I followed his time in the hospital and rehab, your devotion to him. But still, somehow, I was shocked by his death. I, like your other readers , are sharing in your grief, my condolences and healing wishes, Deborah

    Reply
  24. Elizabeth Carter Avatar
    Elizabeth Carter

    Ihave appreciated the thoughts you have shared with us all. I am now thinking of you and your loss Iwill include you in my prayers
    God keep you and bless you.
    Elizabeth

    Reply

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