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This is so interesting! My paternal grandfather had been very sick, including complications from his diabetes. When he passed in the summer (15 years ago), it was extremely sad, but was expected. My paternal grandmother, who had been his sole caretaker for years, was devastated---but there was also a sense of relief that she seemed to experience. She made travel plans to see all of her three kids who lived all over the country, one being my dad and us. Two weeks before she was to arrive to visit, she passed away. This was extremely unexpected and surprising, as she was looking forward to her new freedoms. It is interesting to look back and wonder how much of this was old age and "her time to go" vs. "Broken Heart Syndrome" vs. that her purpose, goals, and most of her "being" revolved around her spouse---did she lose her life direction and was not able to create new purpose and goals? We'll never know, but there is a lot of discussion about the role of caretakers and the stress on caring for loved ones with chronic illness.