When I first became a widow, I wanted everyone to go away. I did not want to talk, discuss, be comforted, or hear anyone. I found everything overwhelming and the need to communicate with others verbally was not at all on the list of desired actions.
I was annoyed by the needs of others. Their want to know I was okay or that the kids were surviving seemed intrusive and obnoxious. I felt that they all just wanted the gory details or the notoriety that goes along with death. Although the realization that my feelings were not “fair” or even logical always accompanied these angry thoughts, I couldn’t help but feel myself growling internally when someone attempted to break into my quiet, lost and introspective bubble.
I had extremely close friends that I leaned on and a sister with whom I told the majority of my thoughts, but the only person I wanted aside from these confidantes was Jeff.
Now, three years later, I find myself in a strange spot.
Recently, two friends have lost their husbands. Neither of these women are close friends, but they are certainly women who I would stop to say “hello”, share a hug and have a chat or a cup of coffee together should I see them on the street prior to their loss.
They are both early in their losses. They don’t want to talk. Or if they do, it’s not to me. And I SO get this. I know this feeling so very well and empathize totally….
But I find myself compelled to tell them that. I feel almost panicked in my need to let them know that there are others, just like us, who know this pain. That they are not alone. That the community of widows is an amazing and supportive one.
I itch to reach out to them. I want to help them with the ridiculous amounts of paperwork that accompanies a death. Or to deliver a meal or mow a lawn.
I want to take away any pain for them that I can. I feel anxious that they are hurting and may not have the support they so need (although I am sure they have so very many loving people surrounding them begging hoping to be of some assistance).
I know that it is all TOO much right now. And I hope that months from now if the phone doesn’t ring as often for them and they slowly awaken from the dull, aching void that envelopes early on, they know that I will be here whenever they need someone who gets it.
In the meantime, I wish them well on their own private journey and hope they know where to find the rest of us…..