John, my heart aches for you and your sons as you grieve the loss of your wife and mother. The raw pain of those first months is very hard to bear. Daily Strength is a good place to find encouragement and support. You will find that your feelings (no matter what) are "normal" and no one will tell you to "move on" with your life.
Wishing you peaceful days,
Doye

Well John, I was a couple months in and thought I was going to die when I just "stumbled" onto this site. Saved me, really. It's a slow painful process, and it gets worse before it gets better. You can't go around it, you can't ignore it, you can't find enough distractions to keep you away from it. There just ain't no other way but you just have to go through it. Do be strong with your sons, draw from each others strengths, and don't be afraid to let them see Dad cry. Answer all their questions until they are satisfied. You'll get through this John. You've got a whole lot of the most wonderful heart broken grieving people here to listen, offer advice and just be there for you. Write when you're able. Read lots and lots -- it will help educate you on something you never ever gave much thought to. One thing about here, we do get it. And we are all about just helping each other get to tomorrow. May God bless and comfort you and your children ~~ Scottie

Hey John,
I lost my wife without any warning just suddenly. But like you I know what she would say to me about carrying on and that's what has gotten me this far. We both knew one would go some day but that day in our minds was way off. I am still resisting that reinventing of myself, I want the life I had back with her. But what I have found on this site is that everything I have felt since the first day everyone else has gone thru or is going thru and that is huge in knowing that you are not alone even though it feels that way. Take car of yourself and always reach out when you need to.
Peace, Tim

John,
In helping you, I'm helping myself. I'm so sorry for your loss. It seems so overwhelming, I know.

How lucky you were to have been married for 25 years. You shared so much with each other, I know that too.

Hold tight to those memories they will get you through this horrible journey, as each day comes and goes it seems you can't take another day of sobbing and grieving, you can and you will, I know!

Come here and share your feelings, no matter how negative they seem and don't forget to share the moments that you find yourself smiling too, you will, I know!

Warmly,
Roz

John,
I was with my husband for 30+ years. So I understand how you can spend so much time with one person and then lose them. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband in August and just started that long journey through the grief. I understand about having to reinvent yourself. I too am doing that. Feel what you need to feel no matter what that feeling is. I am finding this very helpful. This site is great. And we are all here for you. I thought I was alone until I found this place. Blessed Be! Spike

So sorry for your loss. I lost my Tim 8 days after our 36th wedding anniversary 8/21/2013. Being a Mother of 2 Sons who worshipped their father I did not allow myself to grieve right away. I hit rock bottom at 9 months and thankfully I found this site. It saved me.
So welcome and come often.
Hugs, Sandi

John Im so sorry your beautiful wife passed away. I am also sorry you are now having to help your sons through this grieving. I have two children myself, and it's been very rough on them. Your wife is so proud of you, and for you pushing forward. I know my sean is and would be so proud of me for all that I'm trying to do without his help. I miss him so tremendously, but I now know at a little over 11 months, that he would want me being happy, smiling, laughing and enjoying whatever life I have left, until I leave this earth. May you find strength, and peace as time passes. Much love and big hugs, carla