“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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
