I used to worry about thoughts that I had like these. Pet being run over or hurt, Husband dying horribly in accident, best friend being found dead… Then I started talking about them, occasionally, with various friends. Turns out loads of people think similarly – as is shown by the answers above. Now, and especially since talking with a very sensible and wise Husband, who also has them, I take it as normal. And useful.
The problems that can arise from these thoughts are also discussed above, OCD, anxiety, fears that hang over into the rest of life. One way to divert this is simply to indulge the images that come to you – they are imaginary, they have no power, especially if you take it back for yourself. Have a good think about what the images represent: loss, loneliness, grief, shock etc then carry on with the fantasy – what if your wife did actually die? Who would be affected? Do you have funeral plans in place? Health or life insurance? It might simply make you feel less confused if you take control of the thoughts, take them to a logical conclusion and look at the realities of such a situation.
All of that need only take a few hours, perhaps less. Talk to your wife about your fears – it is a sign of your attachment and concern after all. It is not silly either. Life can end at any moment, blasting a great hole in the pattern of a family’s existence. Not to be taken for granted at any cost! Make a story out of it, turn it into a survival strategy, use the energy of your underlying worry for a set of contingency plans…
Maybe even have fun with it for heavens sake – and for all the other wobbly jellies here. Life is hard enough without worrying about worrying!