Welcome to our Blog
Whether you’ve been widowed six months or six years, the grief and pain of losing a spouse or partner never goes away. Join me as I share my own story and those of others from the young and widowed community. Let me know what topics hit close to home, which posts you draw strength from or how you’ve been inspired to keep moving through the overwhelming pain. It’s a place where you’ll always feel connected, knowing there are other young widows and widowers across the globe who understand the many emotions that come with being young and widowed.
Permission to Move Forward After a Loss
“Babe, if I died, how long would it take you to introduce another man to our children?” The question came out of the blue and caught me off guard because we hadn’t even gotten married yet, let alone had a child. Six months seemed an appropriate response so I went with...
When Death Comes Calling…Again
Nearly four and a half years ago, I got shocking news and immediately called my mom. Last week, the death angel came visiting again and I instinctively dialed my mother’s number. This time, it wasn’t my husband but Mr. F. I met Mr. F shortly after my hubby died. I...
Secret Lovers: Young Widows Feel Forced to Hide New Relationships
When one thinks of a weekend rendezvous, coded text messages, late-night get-togethers and dining at restaurants across town, an illicit affair may come to mind. Unfortunately for many in the widowed community, this has become their reality. Wanting to avoid...
Fake Bacon Jam: A Widow’s Foray into Dating After Loss
I like technology a little, but I’m not really a gadget person. My late husband? Techie geek and fully addicted to gadgets. Prime example? I rolled into 2012 still rocking a Blackberry smartphone with a trackball. Yes, a trackball not the updated trackpad. What can I...
“Widowed” Status Often Attracts Scammers
As the Administrator for the Young, Widowed & Dating online group, I’m often bombarded with requests from people wishing to become a member. I work tirelessly to keep the group as “safe” as possible and make every attempt to screen members before allowing them...
Healing After Uncovering A Late-Spouse’s Infidelity
As Samantha* sat, surrounded by her family who showed up to offer their condolences, her cell phone buzzed. Assuming it was another friend reaching out upon hearing her devastating news, she picked up the phone to reply with the lines that had now become routine,...
Hey Married Friend, I Don’t Want Your Man!
Although it’s been five years, Melissa* vividly recalls the “talk” a close friend had with her: “I know you’re widowed now but I just want you to know that my husband sees you only as a sister,” said the girlfriend Melissa once considered family. As Melissa stared at...
Unwedded Widows Face Unique Challenges
It’s often said there is no word in the dictionary that describes a parent who has lost a child. I’ve also discovered there isn’t an official name for someone whose boyfriend has died. Since starting an online support group to give other young widows/widowers a safe...
Reflections on the First Few Years of Widowhood – Part II
It’s often said that hindsight is 20/20. By looking back, we’re able to see a situation with clarity and observe the missteps we may have taken. A member of the Young, Widowed & Dating Support Group recently shared her story. Her post was so detailed that she...
Reflections on the First Few Years of Widowhood – Part I
When you’re in the midst of a storm, it’s hard to tell which way to go. You’re getting battered and you don’t know when the downpour will let up or even if the sun will ever emerge from the dark clouds. For many people who are widowed, the first year can be especially...
Six Tips to Help Widows Cope in the Midst of a National Tragedy
According to the nonprofit organization Gun Violence Archives, there have been over 130 mass shootings in the United States since January 1, 2016. Watching the news in today’s 24-hour news cycle can be a “trigger” for many people who have lost a spouse. It can also...
What Young Widows Want Family And Friends To Know
I recall as a young girl reading fairy tales, and they always ended with “... and they lived happily ever after.” But what happens when a spouse’s life is cut short from illness, accident or suicide? Typically, a grieving widow is left to pick up the pieces and make...
Life Lessons of a Young Widow
The call came in while I was sitting in the church parking lot. My father-in-law told me four words that would forever change my life: Your husband has died. Who expects to be a widow at 32? Our entire lives were ahead of us. There were dreams to accomplish, plans to...