The world is still celebrating the incredible rescue of the 12 Thai boys and their coach, who made it out alive after being trapped for 18 days in a complex network of underground caves. However, this joy is juxtaposed with sadness, as there are still those who continue mourning the death of Saman Kunan. And there is no one who misses him more right now than his beloved wife.
The former Thai navy seal diver died due to a lack of oxygen during a rescue operation to extract the boys and their coach from the Tham Luang cave complex. News of his death was unexpected and shocked many who were close to him, especially his wife, Valeepoan Kunan.
Still mourning the death of Saman Kunan, she took to Instagram to post fond memories of them together, and express her grief over the loss of her husband.
Mourning the Death of Saman Kunan
In a post on Jul 7, a day after his death, she posted:
"You'll always be with me ... there's no one like you ... if you're not with me, I don't want to go on breathing ... because we promised each other we would use the same breath."
And later she posted this:
"My beloved husband.. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me: for loving me and always being with me. You once said to me, 'You need to be strong if you want to be a soldier’s wife.' From now on, I will be strong... even when you are not here anymore..."
Kunan was tasked to deliver a supply of oxygen to the boys and their coach before the actual rescue. Unfortunately, he died when he did not have enough oxygen for himself on his way out of Tham Luang on the morning of Jul 6.
A 15 sqm structure for the cremation, which will take place on Saturday, has been completed, according to Thai media, with free shuttle to be provided by a local bus company from Wednesday.
Dealing with the Unexpected Death of a Spouse
Perhaps the greatest challenge dealing with the unexpected death of a spouse, especially after the grief subsides, is loneliness. How do you move on without your life partner? Grieving spouses may seem coherent on the outside, but deep down, they are shattered.
Even as Valeepoan continues mourning the death of Saman Kunan, imagine how it feels to have the person that you've lived with, taken away from you so suddenly. It's like having a part of your life ripped away.
So many things left unsaid, so many things left undone. Did I tell him that I love him? Why didn't I apologize about the argument that day? And it is hard to move on because these are the things you won't ever get to say again.
Emotional support and counselling are extremely crucial during this time helping a grieving spouse to move forward, while reducing the risk of depression. There are so many stages to grieving before one can reach acceptance. It might be tough, but it doesn't have to be lonely. With help, and one tiny step at a time every day, you will get there.
We send our deepest condolences to you Valeepoan Kunan, for your loss. Your husband will forever be a hero, immortalised.
Source: CNA, Psychology Today
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