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.
I lost my spouse of 35 years last year, we were very young when we started our life together. We matured together, raised our children, so now it is strange to me that I have to start over. I read and received advice that you should wait one year to make any major decisions, so one year has passed and now I am deciding what I should do. Although, I miss my spouse everyday, I know I can continue on. I really cannot see myself in a relationship, maybe this will change, I don't know. Just some thoughts.
MJ46
Starting over means building a new life for yourself without your spouse. It doesn't mean anything specific, just what's right for you. New relationships are optional and an option when and if you are ever ready. I have remarried, and will be moving to a house more set up for old people. That's part of rebuilding my life, but for someone else, it could be taking up a new hobby, renewing old interests, joining something,getting a new job, a new pet, traveling,new friends, looking up old friends or just hanging around getting comfortable with yourself. Infinite options are out there. Good luck.
Shrn
My husband and I met in high school and he died just months after our 40th wedding anniversary. When I thought of starting over I was lost as to what I wanted other than him back, even after a year. My point is that you don't have to to make decisions until you feel confident that you are making the one that is best for you. There is no special time frame, the time is when it's right for you. I wish you well as you discover the path of your life from today forward. I changed paths many times and still do now. Sharon
bookdragon
It has been a year for me as well. I find that I am getting used to this new aloneness. I find I am starting to look forward again rather then back. I am not sure what the future holds, but i know I have had the best of relationships so i will not go down that road again. I also know i could not bear to lose someone like I lost Larry. I am starting to reconnect with friends and looking in to volunteering my time. At 62 i have years of productivity.I agree that starting over means finding who you are and what you want out of this third phase of your life. Hugs Patti
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