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.
The Ohio Gathering has come and gone, and I wanted to put into words what fellow DSers mean to me.
(1) What brought us together began with griefthe common denominator that drove us to find Daily Strength.
(2) What brings us back day after day is camaraderiethe sharing of the greatest loss of our lives.
(3) What convinces us to take that uncertain leap to a Gatheringthe hope of friendships that help ease our grief and accompany us into our new future.
The reality of a DSer is that we are facingeach in our own waylife without our loved one. By linking with others either through the wires or in person, it lessens our isolation and brings us a smatter of contentment within the society of widows/widowers. As much as we don't like labels, we have unwillingly been given one.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have met people who are incredibly reflective, gifted with character, talented with song (recently proven around the bonfire and through links on DS), have a super good wit, thoughtful and kind, and determined to discover purpose and some sense of joy for their future. Definitely not an easy road to travel, but I've seen the disheartened take those painful steps forward, each in their own time. Due to various circumstances, I know it's a chore to schedule time to attend a Gathering, but oh how nice it would be to enjoy the solitary benefit of being in a club that others are not in a rush to jointhe peculiar bonding of survivors.
I can't begin to say how fulfilling it has been to attend the various Gatherings. There's so much to learn from one another, and what better format than the casual meeting among friends. The next best things, of course, are the messages, comments, posts, and Meebo chatting that are an integral part of DS. Each day I look forward to checking in and getting my daily dose of DS updates. What a privilege it is for us to befriend one another as we are inundated with the loneliness of loss.
Blessings to all DSers who are seeking peace and comfort from the relentless ache of grief. Some of you have just joined DS; some have been members for quite a while, but all take part in the healing of one another. Thank you for the blessings of friendships that found their way to me through Daily Strength. TJ
(1) What brought us together began with griefthe common denominator that drove us to find Daily Strength.
(2) What brings us back day after day is camaraderiethe sharing of the greatest loss of our lives.
(3) What convinces us to take that uncertain leap to a Gatheringthe hope of friendships that help ease our grief and accompany us into our new future.
The reality of a DSer is that we are facingeach in our own waylife without our loved one. By linking with others either through the wires or in person, it lessens our isolation and brings us a smatter of contentment within the society of widows/widowers. As much as we don't like labels, we have unwillingly been given one.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have met people who are incredibly reflective, gifted with character, talented with song (recently proven around the bonfire and through links on DS), have a super good wit, thoughtful and kind, and determined to discover purpose and some sense of joy for their future. Definitely not an easy road to travel, but I've seen the disheartened take those painful steps forward, each in their own time. Due to various circumstances, I know it's a chore to schedule time to attend a Gathering, but oh how nice it would be to enjoy the solitary benefit of being in a club that others are not in a rush to jointhe peculiar bonding of survivors.
I can't begin to say how fulfilling it has been to attend the various Gatherings. There's so much to learn from one another, and what better format than the casual meeting among friends. The next best things, of course, are the messages, comments, posts, and Meebo chatting that are an integral part of DS. Each day I look forward to checking in and getting my daily dose of DS updates. What a privilege it is for us to befriend one another as we are inundated with the loneliness of loss.
Blessings to all DSers who are seeking peace and comfort from the relentless ache of grief. Some of you have just joined DS; some have been members for quite a while, but all take part in the healing of one another. Thank you for the blessings of friendships that found their way to me through Daily Strength. TJ
as always, you write with great insight and an enviable calmness. i so wish there was a gathering in the north east. i always have a twinge of jealousy when i read of the various outings!! it would be so nice to meet everyone in person, because the written word can all too easily be read with an inflection that was not of it's original intent. i also find that it is so heartwrenching when you read words of desperation and are not able to jump in a car and go and comfort in person. words are wonderful, but a human hug is worth a million words.
i am thankful for all the words here on ds, even those that push me past my own personal comfort zone.
in the time i have been here i have learned to not only be thankful to those such as yourself, who keep coming back to help all of us still here, but i am thankful for a God who has helped so many members from my early days who have left ds and are firmly implanted in a new life. their absense represents hope, and i am thankful.
hugs
judi
You certainly said it well. One day I hope I can attend a gtg!
TJ, you're right, this site has guided us through some dark times and I am hopeful you'll be able to attend Philly GGG 3!! Hugs to all. Kip.
Linda
Doye
Lori
I am new to DS but would love to see a gathering in Washington State. I hope I get the opportunity to meet the wonderful, supportive friends I have made on DS.
Ronda
It would be great to see you and the others again. Hold a place at breakfast for me!! Seriously, Philly was my first Gathering, and it sparked a little ember in my heart to move forward with friends whom I didn't know but had a common denominatorloss. Since that first Gathering, I haven't looked back with regard to meeting new friends on DS. It was a starting point.
Yes, we are miles apart, but sometimes, distance permitting, that deterrence can be handled with a GPS, a tank full of gas, and a huge desire to 'go forth.' Oh, did I mention blind faiththe amount of traffic scared the bejeebies out of me, but I soon settled down and enjoyed the journey in the BIG CITY, or BIG CITY SUBURBS. Remember, I'm a country gal! My Jill (GPS) didn't let me down. She took me straightway to my motel, and I have to say that I really enjoyed the travel time. It was 9 hours of a wonderful road trip, and I loved every minute of it.
I hope it's a weekend that is 'just right' for everyone. After the last Philly Gathering, I decided to tool around the area and see some of the historical sites. I really enjoyed seeing Valley Forge. I wanted to stop at Hershey on my way home, but it didn't work out. Maybe next time! TJ
I think it would be great to do a NJ/NY gathering. All that is needed is someone to spearhead the effort and to pick a location. It need not be an overnight event; it can be an afternoon or evening at a pubic restaurant or bar.
I couldn't have said it better myself! Of course, your posts are always well thought out and usually hit me right in the heart. I feel the same way you do about DS. It has been such a blessing to me.
As for as GTGs, well, where are we going next? I'm ready to go. LOL
They are great and it is so wonderful to meet in person and get an actual "hug" instead of a cyber one. Of course, I like getting my cyber hugs too. :o)
Great post, as usual.
Hugs, Joely
OH YEAH!!!! Hershey Park. I'm in for sure. TJ
Loran