I am married to a man who was once an ex. He devastated me, but in hindsight, I can see that meeting him changed me and hit at a desperately needed time in my life. 

I can relate to feeling connected to exes. Not all of them, of course (and it's been 23+ years since I *had* an ex to speak of, but I do remember still caring about people, even when we were no longer together. Being friends with them and their future partners, etc.

It helps me to write out my feelings over things like this, and I guess it helps to read it when other people do it too! I admire you for being able to step in and help your ex through cancer. That is never an easy journey for anyone and I wish you the best.

Thank you for sharing.