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Gratitude
It is a simple word defined as a strong feeling of appreciation to someone or something for what the person has done to help you. It was not the first word that came to my mind four years ago when my wife spent the last 45 days of her life at a nearby hospital. We…
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Spring Ahead to Move Forward
Spring Ahead to Move Forward A few weeks ago, in the United States, we followed the tradition we didevery spring: we pushed our clocks ahead by one hour. It allows more sunlighteach day and marks the entrance of another season: Spring. For some of us wholive in the northeast, it means the end of our…
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UNDERSTANDING CAN BRING PEACE
David Knapp Greg arrived at our house ready to do the handyman job we had contracted. I noticed he was solemn and short with his replies. As the morning progressed, I tried to engage him in some conversation, but it was like business only. I wasn’t sure if I was seeing a personality characteristic or…
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UNDERSTANDING CAN BRING PEACE
Greg arrived at our house ready to do the handyman job we had contracted. I noticed he was solemn and short with his replies. As the morning progressed, I tried to engage him in some sort of conversation, but it was like business only. I wasn’t sure if I was seeing a personality characteristic or…
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What Do You Say To Someone Who Is Suffering?
As the co-facilitator of a religious grief support group, I was recently asked what I usually say to someone who has recently suffered a loss. I tell people often I don’t say anything. I don’t have words or a vocabulary that can take away their tears, make them feel less sad, or provide the comfort…
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Quick Hitters # 7
Quick Hitters are brief responses to Questions posed by author Fred Colby to his fellow WSN contributors. They offer a variety of perspectives on some of the most challenging questions facing new widowers. Enjoy. Quick Hitter Question #7: What is the most important thing to do to preserve my relationships with friends and family after…
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Grace
It has been an unbelievable week. To start, one of my best friend’s wife passed away. I learned that a friend from a long time ago recently died in Europe. Another friend I’ve known for 60+ years had a severe stroke, and my favorite aunt died. Talk about a piling-on! It seems like everywhere I…
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Whistle Past The Graveyard
Whistle past the graveyard is an old expression. Here’s how the dictionary defines the phrase: Definition of whistle past the graveyard: to act or talk as if one is relaxed and not afraid when one is actually afraid or nervous. He displays a confident manner, but he may just be whistling past the graveyard. I…
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WHAT DO GERVAIS, BACKMAN, HANKS, AND GERRY TURNER HAVE IN COMMON?
All four men are bringing increased attention to widowers and the many issues we face after losing our wives. There is an upsurge in interest in widowers and their grief journeys due to these four men who have brought open and frank discussions of the topic to the forefront. We believe this will help break…
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Looking back to move ahead.
Over the past few weeks, I have been re-reading my journals. At the suggestion of my grief counselor over two- and one-half years ago, I started to write a journal. I have many composition books that contain my feelings, thoughts, and emotions that chronicle the last three years of my journey in the world of…
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