Last week, Tony was supposed to have his 46th birthday, but he is forever 43. Today is my 44th birthday. Each birthday since he passed has been a death milestone. The first one after he passed, then the one where I was as old as he ever will be, and finally now I am older […]
Widowed Milestones
Honoring El Dia de Los Muertos
According to the History Channel Website, ‘The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.’ Later today, I will spend time at a Dia de los Muertos celebration in a […]
A New Manifestation
Today is the anniversary date of my husband Rich’s passing. I recently read a Post on the Soaring Spirits International Facebook page that discussed how we deal with “Our Month”, a time of year when we become hyperaware of a difficult milestone. Even if we choose to Power Through and act as if it is […]
What is Grief . . .
. . . someone asked. a puzzle an enigma one long and unpredictable complication . . . a testament to love. grief the remnant from the flood proof that love existed love’s receipt. The poet, John O’Donohue says it best: For Grief When you lose someone you love, […]
Reflecting on the Days
I’ve been feeling a stronger undercurrent of emotion these last few days. The tears seem to spring up faster and by a wider range of causes. Yet, at the same time I didn’t realize it until I sat down tonight to figure out what I wanted to write about. Reflection bringing clarity to the days. […]
Hiatus
I recently read a post on the Soaring Spirits International Facebook page which now serves as a writing prompt for me as it resonated with me at this stage of the grieving period. Even writing those two words “Grieving Period” is still difficult. That Post was about dealing with Face Book Memories which appear in […]
Steps Toward Healing
Step-by-Step we grow through grief Merriam-Webster defines “step” as STEP n. 1 – an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result 2 – an individual part of a process… STEP-BY-STEP adj. 1 – proceeding or changing by steps or degrees On April 9, 2023 (6 days prior to the […]
The Gift of Dog
When I first met my late husband, Rich, I understood that he was a true lover of dogs. And they loved him. He seemed to have a way with them; in command with a gentle touch. It surprised me then, that early on when I suggested that it would be nice for us to have […]
When Strangers Become Family
Early last week a widow friend texted our widow group chat that was started after Camp Widow San Diego. She had shared with us that she needed to go to the hospital for her daughter. I was driving as I read this text and immediately my heart dropped for her. It took me right back […]
Rerouting the Neural Map
With this Post, I realize that I’ve officially reached my one year milestone of writing for the Widow’s Voice blog. My first Post of October1, 2022 “Pumping Gas on Ruff Roads” relayed my solo trip to New Jersey with my puppy, Quint and a small urn of Rich’s ashes in tow. I spent time at […]
An Invitation: Be Water
Be water. Flowing, flexible and soft. a still pond invites insect landings; water responds with ripples (My responses to life can be gentle or fierce) Subtly powerful power lurks—ALIVE—just beneath the surface (Am I in tune with the power within me?) still waters contrast with powerful flash floods wreaking destruction […]
Family Photos Minus One
Last week the kids and I went to Fort Walton Beach for a week of fun and sun. This vacation was one I planned with two other families that we are friends with. In total, we had 5 adults and 10 children. Each family rented their own condo at the complex and we managed to […]