I remember when this group was formed. I still think it is a good idea. It seems that all of the groups are less active now. This is a good site and I hope that it regains momentum.

Thanks for your comment
We are blessed to know as we adjust to our changing journey, with Jesus we will never walk alone
jdp

I know when working at living things seem to like posting here is forgotten. I have been working through classes semester after semester for over three years now. And to be honest pain has been harder this year, passing that fifth anniversary in April really shook me on top of of the other reasons I am here. The questions of direction are just as compounded. So I have 4 more weeks of classes and still not sure of transferring for further degrees of starting by working under a licensed Psychologist??? At my age, the time is shorter than I'd like to think. As I have been reminded of late by the passing of people much younger than me. This week it was a young mother of a special needs child.

Then also I feel the pain of others easily and it's not just here that it has had a profound effect. I felt so out of place for week after my Spring session, partly because it was filled with anniversaries that were overwhelming and losing others in my life. But also the studies I was taking.
Shaken is a good word along with worn, but still going on when I should have sank. I know it is only faith that I still continue.

Some of the older here knew I use music when words fail...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tivseVZbnY
Need you now ~ Plumb (Lyrics) [How many times]

That was a beautiful song, Jewells!! (((Hugs)))

The w/w board on DS has always been more active as it is the main board for widows and widowers and much easier to access. Many members don't even know this board exists. All boards became much quieter when they adopted the new format awhile back. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the moderators on the main board who helped me tremendously in the early stages of my grief. Please access all boards and resources to help you in this terrible journey of grief. The reason I agreed to moderate this board is because I knew how important faith was in the grief journey. Unfortunately on the main board faith and religion would often result in bitter disagreements resulting in a post being pulled. This is a place where it is safe to explore your faith in grief or even your struggles with faith. Ours is a small community but the people here are very special. Yes I hope the board grows but even if only 1 person finds encouragement here it is completely worth it. I believe with all my heart I would not be standing 4 years later if God had not walked and yes carried me through the painful journey of grief. I also believe a place of peace can be found in grief through God. I almost left this board when the new format was adopted but my heart told me a place where faith can be discussed is desperately needed in this world especially when confronted with a life changing event like losing a spouse.

What was the old format like Gerald? I wasn't here then. Thanks.

The old format was more user friendly and a little bit more interactive and personal. It was easier to forge friendships that often extended beyond the board. As a moderator the old format let me know when someone new joined which allowed a proper welcoming to occur. It also let me see who was using the board to give me a idea of usage. When the new format was adopted most boards lost over 50% of its members including us. Access of the new board was very difficult when it was first introduced with many people giving up. That said it is my hope through God we can make this new format work and build a supportive faith based community to support each other.

Sounds good. I'm hurting now physically too--in oc slid down a slimy rock and have a contusion around sternum/ribs. They said no broken bones but it sure feels like it, almost every way I turn. I was trying to wash out a small bag of a reserve of my husband's ashes off a jetty. God had already provided someone to take me out to sea to deposit them earlier that day, (according to the law of distance from land) so I should not have been doing that and I believe that's why it happened. There were just specks around the seal of the bag anyway...not much of anything to wash out.Got seasick unexpectedly after I sprinkled the bag at sea. The captain who took me out said on the way back my husband would be proud that I went through that for him..After the events of the day, I cried(which made my ribs hurt more) because Walter was still dead. I survived my injuries, but he died.. For a moment I thought I might die there on the rocks( the paramedic told me many have).Now I'm parked outside the place we used to stay when down here..

Crazy, the first rescue man comes down the rock and slides just like me cutting his elbow. I reached out to break his fall and that hurt. Then the two of us are sitting inches apart on 2 rocks. No traction on the rocks. He was thrown a rope w/ bouy but I had to be slid up on something else...almost falling again into a hole in the rocks. His blood is still on my pants!

We sure do need this faith group. We need to express our Love for our creator who helps us every step of the way. Losing My husband after a long happy marriage was the worst thing that ever happened to me. I wanted us to grow older together. I don't know what I would have done without my faith. With God's help I'm able to continue on and make the most of my life. My prayers are usually answered if it is for my good and if it's what God wants for me.
This is a good place to share and know that we can be comfortable doing so. May the Love of God be with each and every one. Hugs, Dolores