A Young Widow Tells Her Story

It’s almost like a relief to read thoughts from another person that I can actually relate to. Sometimes you get tired of explaining yourself to those who couldn’t possibly understand what you are feeling because they haven’t experienced what you have experienced. I was widowed at age 28, I am now 31. I lost my husband in March 2005 to a car accident on our oldest daughter’s 13th birthday. I was actually searching for grieving counselors for her when I came across this site (very glad I found it). My husband and I were also together for some time before we got married…our total time together was 15 years. We have four beautiful children, 2 girls and 2 boys. We talk about him often, still laugh at the things he said or did, we will NEVER forget him regardless of how much time passes. I still cry at times, mostly when the kids make accomplishments because I can’t help but get upset that he is not here to physically witness these things and hug them for a job well done. I say physically, because we strongly believe that he is and always will be with us in some form, because we feel him. I can go on and on, but I basically just wanted to comment to “A Widow Shares”. You ARE lucky to have been his wife, as I am lucky to have been my husband’s wife, because we are the ones who gave them the wonderful experience of marriage. Stay encouraged and take care of yourself.

Thank you,
Dear Anika,
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Thank you for reaching out to Jody with compassion and understanding and thank you for sharing your story with us and the readers of The Grief Blog. We have posted your comments on the first page of the Blog as well as in the comment section of A Widow’s Story. We know there are many who can be helped by reading your letter.

We are so very sorry for your loss and know that no words can give you the comfort you need. While it has been two years, please know there is no time limit to grief and everyone grieves in their own time and their own way. We encourage you to be gentle with yourself as the healing continues.

We hope you were able to find a professional grief counselor for your daughter. If you were not, you might contact your local hospice or your church for recommendations. You are very wise to seek help for her. Being a teen is hard enough and losing her father makes it even more so.

We invite you to listen to listen on Thursday mornings to the radio show Healing the Grieving Heart You can find information about it and a link to it on the first page of http://www.thegriefblog.com You might also find a number of past shows that can give you help and comfort at http://thegriefblog.com/grief-grieving-death-of-a-child/Â

Sincerely,

Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley