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.
Hello all my friends at DS. I just had to share my experience with you. Today was the first year anniversary of Michael's death. I had been dreading this day because I did not know what to expect. But, I did expect it to be a horrible day. But it wasn't!
The first thing I did this morning was to send a text (again sending my gratitude and love) to the family that took me in to their home and cared for me after the accident. The hospital was going to send me to a hotel. The Hiway Patrol had closed down I-80 from Colorado to the Iowa border. There were nearly 400 accidents that day and 2 fatalies; Michael and a person a couple miles ahead of us.
Anyway, my good friend from Omaha was frantic about me. She talked to people in her office to see if anyone there knew anyone in North Platte that could come and check on me at the hospital. Her friend said that he had worked once (about 7 years earlier) with a guy from there. They called Jason, and he called his wife, Kelley. The next thing I knew, I was invited to stay in their home until the freeway opened and they would drive me to Omaha. This afternoon I received a beautiful bouquet from them.
Throughout the day, I received texts, e-mails and phone calls of friends and family who saying they were thinking of me and I was in their prayers. It was an incredible outpouring of care. I felt embraced by the love of God, of Michael and of my friends.
I also had a plan for what I was going to do with the day. I shut the phone off, lit our 25th anniversary candle and re-read all the cards from the funeral. My best friend came over and we took turns reading them. Last year, I just could not absorb what they said. She was the one who had gifted us the candle. That action was powerful comfort.
And, I had a very with blatant sign from Michael that he was going to be by my side today. Background: I have always loved angels. Everyplace Michael and I traveled, I would buy an angel ornament for my Xmas tree. I also had an angel to represent significant life events like births, deaths and anniversaries. My china cabinet is filled with angels from friends who know I love the celestial beings. Here was my sign. A week ago Tues, I was at a meeting at a local church. As I was leaving a marquis caught my eye. It portrayed an angel blowing a trumpet. The message read, Candlelight Service 7PM, December 19. I knew this was a message of comfort from above. I invited 7 women friends (my earth angels) to attend the service with me. Five of them found time in this busy season to be there. The other two sent messages of apology and love. The service was beautiful. The only tears were over Silent Night lyrics, "Sleep in Heavenly Peace......."
The last part of my plan was to share my experience of the day (however it went) with my DS friends. I only know a few of you personally, but I have gotten to know many of you through reading your posts. You have shared your experience, strength and hope. I am grateful to all of you.
Jan
The first thing I did this morning was to send a text (again sending my gratitude and love) to the family that took me in to their home and cared for me after the accident. The hospital was going to send me to a hotel. The Hiway Patrol had closed down I-80 from Colorado to the Iowa border. There were nearly 400 accidents that day and 2 fatalies; Michael and a person a couple miles ahead of us.
Anyway, my good friend from Omaha was frantic about me. She talked to people in her office to see if anyone there knew anyone in North Platte that could come and check on me at the hospital. Her friend said that he had worked once (about 7 years earlier) with a guy from there. They called Jason, and he called his wife, Kelley. The next thing I knew, I was invited to stay in their home until the freeway opened and they would drive me to Omaha. This afternoon I received a beautiful bouquet from them.
Throughout the day, I received texts, e-mails and phone calls of friends and family who saying they were thinking of me and I was in their prayers. It was an incredible outpouring of care. I felt embraced by the love of God, of Michael and of my friends.
I also had a plan for what I was going to do with the day. I shut the phone off, lit our 25th anniversary candle and re-read all the cards from the funeral. My best friend came over and we took turns reading them. Last year, I just could not absorb what they said. She was the one who had gifted us the candle. That action was powerful comfort.
And, I had a very with blatant sign from Michael that he was going to be by my side today. Background: I have always loved angels. Everyplace Michael and I traveled, I would buy an angel ornament for my Xmas tree. I also had an angel to represent significant life events like births, deaths and anniversaries. My china cabinet is filled with angels from friends who know I love the celestial beings. Here was my sign. A week ago Tues, I was at a meeting at a local church. As I was leaving a marquis caught my eye. It portrayed an angel blowing a trumpet. The message read, Candlelight Service 7PM, December 19. I knew this was a message of comfort from above. I invited 7 women friends (my earth angels) to attend the service with me. Five of them found time in this busy season to be there. The other two sent messages of apology and love. The service was beautiful. The only tears were over Silent Night lyrics, "Sleep in Heavenly Peace......."
The last part of my plan was to share my experience of the day (however it went) with my DS friends. I only know a few of you personally, but I have gotten to know many of you through reading your posts. You have shared your experience, strength and hope. I am grateful to all of you.
Jan
Peace,
Alice
((())) Sue
Good for you, Jan, your proactive attitude made it very sweet.
Hug