Broken Hearts: Why Couples Often Die Together
Many devoted spouses pass away within mere months of each other. Coincidence? Or can you really die of a broken heart?
Two years ago, three months to the day of each other, both of my sweet in-laws died. In the same way, my cousin’s parents passed away within three months, at the relatively young ages of 65 and 67. Last week, my girlfriend’s parents passed — again, three months to the day of each other.
Passing away in quick succession to your partner is surprisingly common. In fact, stories abound about older couples who enjoy a lifetime together and follow each other to the grave. The most high-profile example is Johnny Cash and June Carter, who died only four months apart.
When death comes for both of your parents, you suffer a double whammy. Even if you’re older and have experienced your share of loss, losing both parents feels like being punched in the gut while you’re still doubled over, struggling to catch your breath.
When my in-laws died, their children and I consoled ourselves with the belief that Mom and Dad (as I called them, too) simply could not be separated. Love really does last forever, we told ourselves. Even beyond death.
