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.

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Truhal 04/29/2011

When I was in college we studied aging. My professor referred to senior citizens as 'Survivors.' He said they've survived illness, money issues, depression, death of loved ones, etc. And they're still here, moving through life's obstacle course. Anyhow, I was thinking about this today. We widows/widowers are in that group. We're survivors. We've making it through one of the worst times in our lives and we're here to tell about it.

So, some may say we're strong. Some may say we're weak, but I think the word they're really looking for is survivor. We may be a little ragged around the edges, we may think that we can't go on, but we're still here at the end of the day.

So, everyone, give yourself a pat on the back. You are a survivor.

Tru

deleted_user 04/29/2011

And right back at ya Tru! You have been through grief and stress and are still going through it with your Dad and some health issues of your own. You are a true survivor! Stay Strong!!!!!
Cindy xxoo

deleted_user 04/29/2011

Yes, you are right. We are survivors......Hugs to you, Dawn

lovelos 04/29/2011

Thanks Tru, you are right we are here just trying our best...doing the best we can. We will survive with a little help from each other, hugs Lu Ann

michaelbmanning 04/29/2011

Back at ya! I am a survivor. I have survived Mike's death. I have survived bringing 5 children into the world. I live and breathe...that's survival.

Maggie

loveandgrace 04/29/2011

Survivor, yes, but does anyone else feel battered and bruised? I wonder if that feeling ever goes away.

I certainly don't think any of us are weak. "That which does not kill you will make you stronger." Nietzsche wrote. He also wrote, "To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering."

deleted_user 04/29/2011

Guess that makes me a double survivor, since I qualify as a "senior", too! I have also discovered that being a caregiver and getting through that "job" makes you a survivor. Reminds me of the song "I Will Survive"... some of the lyrics even fit our circumstances! Have a good evening.

pathoflife 04/29/2011

Tru,

What a wonderfully appropriate word: Survivor. It is the ideal word to describe our unwelcomed predicament.

1. I was 59 when I was widowed;
2. 65 now with lots on my learning scale during those years following loss;
3. definitely have a case of weariness that is sporadic to habitual due to taking on life's dual responsibilities while heart is breaking;
4. BUT, hallelujah, definitely a survivor!

Thanks for the post. Blessings to you. TJ

deleted_user 04/29/2011

Thanks for the positive inspiration!

deleted_user 04/29/2011

BRAVO!!! Thanks, Tru

deleted_user 04/30/2011

Yes I am a survivor..I am battered and bruised and yet here I am still surviving.I am like the song I will survive by Gloria Gaynor.Thanks Tru you are so right.Hugs to youSadie

deleted_user 04/30/2011

Tru - what a positive posting. Yes, we have and are surviving. Some find to too hard and give up sadly. It is the toughest row I have ever had to plough for sure. But "This too shall pass" is a quote that springs to mind. And then there is the greatest reunion ever to live in hope for! John

deleted_user 04/30/2011

Thanks for reminding us, yes we are all survivors...Nobody has snuffed out our torch yet!

deleted_user 04/30/2011

Tru,
What a good picture you posted... we are "still here, moving through life's obstacle course" .. Although this is definitely the obstacle course I signed up for.... it is the one God has chosen for my life.

Since He has chosen this for our lives, I believe He will give us the strength and ALL that we need to keep on!! I do believe He will bring us His peace and Joy during our journey.
Blessings, Linda

marjoe 04/30/2011

Thank you, Tru, for this positive affirmation that we all need to hear a lot!

deleted_user 04/30/2011

Didn't Mother Teresa say something to the effect that GOD doesn't give us anything he doesn't think we can handle, she also said she wished he didn't have so much confidence in her. I think he has a great deal of confidence in all of us, to survive. The Beatles said we would get by with a little help from our friends, and that is what we are doing here.

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