I missed getting to write my posts here for several months because I was caring for an 88-year-old with memory issues and declining health. As her struggles grew more severe, and my time and energy was consumed with her care, ...
Dear Bret, It's been a while since I wrote you a letter, and after I made the suggestion for other widows to write letters to their late partners, I decided to do the same. You've been gone now for over ...
One of the Hope for Widows sisters used the word “bittersweet” to describe what she was feeling. I hate labels. I always have. I dislike being called “a widow.” I live with it because it is a fact. I still ...
So far in this journey of grief, I haven’t yet come to the point where I can honestly say I am living a new life. I had the 10 best years of my life with my sweetheart, followed by almost ...
July 10th of this year marks four years that I've been fortunate enough to share my journey right here, at the Hope For Widows Foundation blog. Being involved with this wonderful group has been an exponential part of my healing ...
I’ve always asked questions—lots of them! I’m not one to conform; I’m quite the rebel, always eager to know why. Barrie found this amusing and often remarked on my insatiable curiosity. When we first met, most of our conversations revolved ...
Widows can feel like a novice in our new life… one so drastically different from what we knew. Where we once felt confident and strong, we can suddenly find ourself questioning everything. Our mind is in a fog and the ...
I opened the door on the second knock and extended a practiced, firm handshake. My hair was pulled back plainly, clothes were modest, and my face was void of both makeup and smiles. I was ready. “Keith Allen, KO Insulation” ...
The Unpredictability of Summer GriefA personal reflection on navigating loss in the season of light Summer used to be one of my favorite times of year. I’d look forward to the longer days, the smell of backyard grilling, and the ...
I was having a lazy morning in bed, doing the Wordle and Spelling Bee on my phone. It’s my typical wake up routine now that there’s no job to run to, and I appreciate every minute of it. For most ...