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.
Hi All,
As per my other post, please say 'hi' and introduce yourself so that we know you're here/still here and should be here.
I am Martha/Cliffskat, widowed in 2007 when my husband Cliff died of a heart attack at only 55. With no warning, my life was turned upside down, and I became a single mom to our two autistic spectrum boys. It wasn't easy, but I survived. I met a British widower here, and we eventually became close and married. I and my boys moved to England - I am an ex-pat and dual citizen now. My life looks nothing like it did before Cliff died, but it is good again.
I have been a Community Leader for our group since March 22, 2011 - my CL anniversary is later this week.
That's me....how about you?
Love and Hugs,
Martha
This is my first time posting. I lost my husband of 30 years at the end of January, six days after my birthday. He had a heart attack. I'm 54 and the pain and loneliness is unbearable. Right now I'm just surviving. I rarely feel any joy. I have two grown children in their early 20's. One still lives with me and the other lives close by. I'm not able to be strong for my kids because my grief is so all consuming. I'm also the caregiver to my 77 yr old mother. I have a very demanding job and find myself burying myself in work, just to numb the pain.
I'd love to hear stories of how you managed to find joy in your life again.
I was about your age when my husband died. We had no children. I can't even imagine the pressure of caregiving a parent.
I have found joy again.. I think you'll get more answers if you start a new thread of your own. It takes time - gosh, the first few months the only thing on my 'to do' list was "don't cry in public." I did go to work though, and that helped me. It's unfortunate that with COVID and all, the usual mechanics of going out and being with others isn't possible, but we're here for you.
Lost my husband in July 2019 so coming up to the two year mark next month. Been quite good recently until about a month ago and now going through the doldrums again. He went through being absolutely fine to death within 3 weeks - I still can't get over the speed of how one's life can be turned so completely upside down. He was and is my soulmate my twin flame. We lived, slept, ate and breathed each other. We defined each other - even our skin felt like our skin. I was in denial for 5 months then it hit me like a steam roller and then I was fortunate to get grief counselling through the hospice movement here in England which has been absolutely amazing. COVID has made it very difficult. I had no other friends than my husband so only family has been around. Now I am trying to gradually make new friends and build a new life for myself but it is oh so difficult.