Widows & Widowers Support Group
This community is dedicated to those who have lost a husband, wife, or partner. Anything is open for discussion here, with the hope that we can focus on grief, bereavement, life after loss, and continuing on after a great loss.
Soon I will have completed my 2nd year on DS. Over those two years, many battles of the heart were faced, conquered, and some were lost. There have been tender reminders of a well-loved past, a quiet resignation to an undefined future, and those everyday signs (aka posts) that I am not alone on this journey. Names have flown across the pages of the DS Web site replies, journal entries, and those warm and fuzzy hugs that provide that little lift for a better day. We've shared photos of our loved ones, children, pets, homes, and those pampered vacations that made the rest of the year bearable.
DS by the acknowledgment of many has been a lifeline, a bridge from a horrific loss to safe shores of hope for a renewed future. Some are ready to allow a sense of optimism in their lives; others are just beginning to cross that long and difficult bridge to acceptance. Whichever may be the case in our life situation; the members of DS expose their innermost feelings and offer words of comfort from their compassionate hearts.
The Gatherings are for many merely an extension of what began on this remarkable Web site. In a little more than two weeks, people who never anticipated the degree of pain associated with loss will "step outside their comfort zone" to meet with others who have experienced the same piercing loss. I extend a heartfelt invitation to all who would like to broaden their DS friendships just a bit further. Please consider a trip to Ohio for a comfortable, low-key, and casual meeting of DSers.
Those who have said they plan to attend:
Deb (guest of pathoflife)
edithbathgate
gone2soon
jeannieiam
Joely
JPFlynn
Karen Dugan
kkbz
lkmeb
Parmela
pathoflife
sadheart56
tink59
Donna (tink59's guest)
Vanessa (gone2soon's guest)
Those who are thinking about attending, trying to work out the details:
CarolSE
heartsick1
icezam19
LoranSW
msgmylarry
If I have left anyone out, PLEASE let me know. The names above were taken from replies and private messages of those who contacted me. In addition, several (as of this date) of the definites are arriving on Friday night. I plan to meet them for dinner and then some will accompany me to the airport to greet John Flynn who will be flying in from Australia. Andre (tink59) will be flying in at noon on Friday also.
Let me know if you will be arriving early. It would help in making arrangements for the evening.
OHIO GATHERING
WHEN:
September 16-18. The main day being Saturday, September 17, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE:
The Gathering will be held at my house (address to be given by private message). Weather permitting we will enjoy a bonfire in the evening. Remember those S'mores from the Ohio 2010 Gathering !!!!
LODGING:
Hampton Inn, 11484 Allen Road, Jeffersonville, OH 43128 (1-71 Exit 65 @ Route 35) (740-948-9499), $89.00, not including tax. This includes a hot Continental Breakfast.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
To receive the special price, there is a Code to mention when making your reservations. Please contact me by private message, and I will be glad to give you that Code. If we are not yet friends, please make a friend request so that I can give you additional information privately.
Thanks to all. Hope to meet you in person in September. I'm getting "super excited," so I guess there is some kid left in me! TJ
DS by the acknowledgment of many has been a lifeline, a bridge from a horrific loss to safe shores of hope for a renewed future. Some are ready to allow a sense of optimism in their lives; others are just beginning to cross that long and difficult bridge to acceptance. Whichever may be the case in our life situation; the members of DS expose their innermost feelings and offer words of comfort from their compassionate hearts.
The Gatherings are for many merely an extension of what began on this remarkable Web site. In a little more than two weeks, people who never anticipated the degree of pain associated with loss will "step outside their comfort zone" to meet with others who have experienced the same piercing loss. I extend a heartfelt invitation to all who would like to broaden their DS friendships just a bit further. Please consider a trip to Ohio for a comfortable, low-key, and casual meeting of DSers.
Those who have said they plan to attend:
Deb (guest of pathoflife)
edithbathgate
gone2soon
jeannieiam
Joely
JPFlynn
Karen Dugan
kkbz
lkmeb
Parmela
pathoflife
sadheart56
tink59
Donna (tink59's guest)
Vanessa (gone2soon's guest)
Those who are thinking about attending, trying to work out the details:
CarolSE
heartsick1
icezam19
LoranSW
msgmylarry
If I have left anyone out, PLEASE let me know. The names above were taken from replies and private messages of those who contacted me. In addition, several (as of this date) of the definites are arriving on Friday night. I plan to meet them for dinner and then some will accompany me to the airport to greet John Flynn who will be flying in from Australia. Andre (tink59) will be flying in at noon on Friday also.
Let me know if you will be arriving early. It would help in making arrangements for the evening.
OHIO GATHERING
WHEN:
September 16-18. The main day being Saturday, September 17, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE:
The Gathering will be held at my house (address to be given by private message). Weather permitting we will enjoy a bonfire in the evening. Remember those S'mores from the Ohio 2010 Gathering !!!!
LODGING:
Hampton Inn, 11484 Allen Road, Jeffersonville, OH 43128 (1-71 Exit 65 @ Route 35) (740-948-9499), $89.00, not including tax. This includes a hot Continental Breakfast.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
To receive the special price, there is a Code to mention when making your reservations. Please contact me by private message, and I will be glad to give you that Code. If we are not yet friends, please make a friend request so that I can give you additional information privately.
Thanks to all. Hope to meet you in person in September. I'm getting "super excited," so I guess there is some kid left in me! TJ
L
Hopefully NEXT TIME, and I LOVE seeing that kid inside of all of us! It's what keeps that HOPE alive!
Love to all who are attending! I will be thinking of you all as I take my tests that day!!!
Diane
I, too, wish you could be here. I so want to meet the many who have not had a chance to attend one of the Gatherings. I have made some precious friends over the last two years because of some of the Gatherings I was able to attend. Some of the drives were long but, for me, worth every mile. I'm sure there will be others, so maybe the timing will be better for you then. TJ
Christine
Yes, it will be a hoot, Buckeye lingo for fun :>). We joined DS close to the same time; and after two years, friends connected by the magic of the internet will have an opportunity to meet. See ya in a couple of weeks. TJ
Hugs, Joely
L
I'm sorry you can't make it to Ohio. It would have been nice to meet you in person. Maybe it will be possible for you to catch another in the future. Here's hoping. TJ
icezam19,
So glad you could work it out to be here on Saturday. I was hoping you could. How great that your sister can join us. If you could private message me her name, I would appreciate it. I am making name tags that may help as we get acquainted. See ya in a couple of weeks. TJ
Oops, .....sister-in-law. TJ