Before my husband Ray died, I used to "go along, to get along." In fact, I think I spent my life trying to please others. For example, I would do or say whatever I thought would make someone else's life ...
Note: This was originally posted at funhasarrived.com on 11/1/13 Last Monday marked one year since FHA died. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel that day and can confirm my brain went “BLURP” and took the day off. ...
The picture "The Good Samaritan" by Liz Lemon Swindle hangs in my living room. It is a modern-day depiction of the biblical story. It was given to me by a local non-profit organization after my husband died. He served on ...
During my life, I have often sought permission from others to go ahead and do what my heart was telling me. This habit hasn’t always served me well. Consequently, today I want to suggest the following to my widow sisters. ...
Tomorrow my youngest graduates from high school. A few weeks ago, I read an interview with Lesa France Kennedy. Ms. Kennedy is the NASCAR vice chairperson and International Speedway Corporation CEO and is a widow. In this interview, she was ...
Last week, a friend shared with me his heartache concerning the passing of one of his friends. He was overwhelmed with emotions; however, more notably, he was worried about what to say to his friend’s widow. He felt lost, almost ...
I finished a book. In fact, I have finished two books!!!! I love to read! I've been an avid reader my whole life. After Ray died, I developed a problem with my ability to concentrate. I would start a book ...
As a new widow, one of the hardest things for me to do was learning to live in acceptance of what my new reality had become. I remember going places and looking at the families and thinking, "My family will ...
Note: This essay was originally posted about two months after my husband died. Definition, January 2013 Those of you who know me are aware I am serving my third term in elected office. I start year thirteen next week. My ...