As a widow in my 40’s, the most common expression I hear from people once they know my story is, “I cannot even imagine”. Nobody wants to imagine a tragedy like mine happening to them. I prefer to think of ...
How many times have you heard: “You are so strong!”? Or seen memes that compliment a widow’s strength, like this one: “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have”? I didn’t realize ...
I have found myself in somewhat of an identity crisis over the last several years of this life I didn't create for myself. How do I walk forward and find my path and my purpose in this life? Is it ...
It’s Friday and I’m sitting on my deck in my sunny backyard making a grocery shopping list. The Shipt shopper will take care of the shopping that Rick used to do as his most favorite task in the world (man, ...
One of the scariest parts of grief for me has been the overwhelming vulnerability. When my husband first passed away, it was like my body was frozen in time: my emotions, my tears, and my heart were just numb. ...
I am more than just a widow. If I had a dollar for the number of times I was referred to as a widow, or "you know, the one whose husband died," I think I could buy myself a beach ...
I am told how well I am doing and how strong I am. People commend me on the adventures I take and my drive to rebuild my life. The world looking in sees some one who is figuring it out. ...
June 25, 2020 marked two years since Seth unexpectedly passed away. It also became the day I learned I’d lost my job due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. What a day. A day I should have spent ...
We are halfway through 2020. And as I sit here at my weekend retreat watching the sun shining through the trees and hearing the river flowing so peacefully, I am reminded to count my blessings. This has been a ...
The year 2020 has been a roller coaster ride. The U.S. is facing numerous challenges and uncertainties. All these factors have created great amounts of internal stress. As a widow, this uncertain time has magnified my loss. After John died, ...