Have you realized the magic of the sisterhood of widows?

I am so grateful for this opportunity to share in the sisterhood of widows at http://www.hopeforwidows.org. My first blog in this space fills me with pride and a mix of trepidation and self-doubt. But, I am not concerned nor embarrassed because I know I shall be accepted. This audience of readers understands and can appreciate me like no other.

You, my fellow widows, have become my safe place. We found one another when our past worlds became foreign and uncomfortable.

Upon becoming a widow, we were no longer viewed as the same person we once were. We became outliers amidst our friends and family.

Although still filled with love and support for us, they could not understand, nor relate, to the intricacies of our new journey. And, in reality, we didn’t know who we were becoming either. Our identity had changed. One foot was trying to remain inside our old comfortable world and the other was being forced into a new reality – that of a widow.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my old friends and have (finally) found a comfortable space to join them -when invited – after six years of loss. But, many of these relationships have changed and some have even ended.

I finally understand. They have not changed…

I have.

And, regardless of how hard it is for me to accept the truth, I have to, if I am to move on.

Thankfully, we have found one another – our sisterhood.

Together, we shall adapt, grow, cry, thrive and better ourselves so we can continue moving forward.

Let’s stop trying to be the person we once were. That person has been altered forever.

Instead, let’s celebrate the new YOU & the new US!

Sisterhood of widows – what a fabulous gift.

I welcome comments and the opportunity to dialogue with you. Our shared stories help provide inspiration and strength for all.

forever evolving

Susan

About 

On May 20, 2014, Susan’s world came crashing down. Her 54-year old husband passed unexpectedly of a heart attack. The years since have been a whirlwind of emotion, trauma & joy (yes, she said joy, thanks mostly to the birth of her grandchildren).

Over the next 5 years, Susan experienced additional heartache following the death of her dad & both of her brothers. She knew her only way to make sense of all her grief was to find a way to use her experiences to help others.

Now, armed with a grief educators certificate from David Kessler, a coaching certificate, her learned experience and inspiration she has set out to make a difference in the lives of the bereaved.

Living with loss is a lifetime challenge. When someone dies, friends and family rally around the bereaved for a short time. Soon after, the conversation changes from one of comfort to one of anticipation and judgement. The bereaved are given a time frame to “get over it”. This antiquated notion leaves no option but to grieve in silence. Often silence can become isolating and cause mental and physical health issues.

Susan educates society on how to help those who are grieving by using her voice to speak up and share her learned and lived knowledge.

Susan encourages collaboration and dialogue so please reach out to her at evolve beyond grief on her website, Facebook and Instagram.

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Susan Kendal

On May 20, 2014, Susan’s world came crashing down. Her 54-year old husband passed unexpectedly of a heart attack. The years since have been a whirlwind of emotion, trauma & joy (yes, she said joy, thanks mostly to the birth of her grandchildren). Over the next 5 years, Susan experienced additional heartache following the death of her dad & both of her brothers. She knew her only way to make sense of all her grief was to find a way to use her experiences to help others. Now, armed with a grief educators certificate from David Kessler, a coaching certificate, her learned experience and inspiration she has set out to make a difference in the lives of the bereaved. Living with loss is a lifetime challenge. When someone dies, friends and family rally around the bereaved for a short time. Soon after, the conversation changes from one of comfort to one of anticipation and judgement. The bereaved are given a time frame to “get over it”. This antiquated notion leaves no option but to grieve in silence. Often silence can become isolating and cause mental and physical health issues. Susan educates society on how to help those who are grieving by using her voice to speak up and share her learned and lived knowledge. Susan encourages collaboration and dialogue so please reach out to her at evolve beyond grief on her website, Facebook and Instagram.

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