Gratitude Flows Can we give a “widowbit” this Valentine’s Day for the widowed person who needs us? There is so much about my widowhood journey that would not have been the same if it hadn’t been for Soaring Spirits. The idea of honoring Valentine’s Day with a Member Drive feels so right to me. […]
Widowed and Healing
Touch Deprivation
A friend and I were recently talking about the touch deprivation experienced in widowhood. It’s one of those extra layers of loss that not everyone thinks about. But it reminds me of everyone touting the importance of skin-to-skin contact when a new baby is born. We use touch to express affection, and I don’t mean […]
Getting Rid of Her Sentimental Items
I was watching a YouTube video about decluttering, or some similar topic. The presenter discussed how it can be difficult to get rid of items that belonged to a loved one who has passed away. I’ve watched tons of videos and read many books that talk about this, but in the video, they made a […]
What is widowhood asking of me today?
At 1,748 days out has its question changed? When I walked my husband out to the coroner’s van in our driveway we were 51 years 9 months married. I was sending him off, in the custom of our culture, to a place unknown to me. Saying the first of many goodbyes, I had no […]
Time Wasted?
My time at the beach has been exactly what I needed, even though it has not been exactly what I had planned. Now I could easily beat myself up for all I have not done while here at the beach. All I thought I needed to do. All I had planned to do: Lots of […]
The Dance Crew
Last week, I spent 4 perfect days in Cabo with a handful of my widow friends. It takes a little more work to get to Mexico, so our entire crew wasn’t able to join for this one. But the 5 of us made the most of our time together. Contrary to what an outsider might […]
Cold Morning, Warm Heart
Love is the engine in the many tasks that make up a life. As a lucky grandma, I am called to assist now and again. just one of many privileges that make up my life. Still alive am I, widowed and all. As I near the letting go of my Wednesday blog task of […]
The Unexpected Nostalgia of Weather Changes
I finally went for a run in the woods near my house. It has been about 2 months since I went on a “real” run, and even longer since I went for a “proper” trail run in these woods that I consider my church. It was cold and sunny, perfect for a run. It’s the […]
Respiratory Infection and the Healing Power of Sleep
What day is it, anyway? It feels sort of strange to completely drop out of life and sleep for 2 1/2 days. Turns out it was just the medicine I needed. Hearing about friends who had a terrible cough for weeks on end, I tried using a mask in certain public spaces and crossed my […]
Busiest First Week of January
In all the years I’ve been doing what I do work-wise, this is quite possibly the busiest first week of January I’ve ever experienced. I’ve already welcomed aboard 2 new clients, started 3 new projects that were booked before the year ended, heard from folks I’ve done work for years ago that want new work, […]
What now?
What’s next for me? Mystery of seasons shows edge of winter waking; another turning. Before its return rising sun pauses unseen; as Life asks for more. A new year begs a plan. What’s next? it asks. What’s new, different, or ahead that’s waiting for me? Grief says, Hold on! Not so fast. […]
New Years First
For the first time since Tony died, I found myself in town for New Years Eve. I have spent the last four years ringing in the new year anywhere but home. Part of me was dreading being here with all the couples I’m friends with when the clock struck midnight. The unknown of how it […]