I don’t always understand why things happen, but I have found a reason to be brave. That reason is you, my friend. I have felt strongly in the past few years since my husband passed away to write my story. Why would anyone want to do this?! It has hurt all over again and I […]
When do I take off my wedding ring? This is the question I see the most. The answer may seem simple, but there are so many dimensions to this- just like a diamond. Everyone feels differently about who should wear a wedding ring, where they should wear it and for how long. Just like grieving […]
After a close family member or loved one has passed away, some people feel the loved one may be sending them things or feelings to let them know they are still around. Is my loved one sending me signs from heaven? I believe they are. I […]
Planning the funeral of my husband wasn’t fun- even though those are the first few letters in the word funeral. But I realized I could make it meaningful. When someone asks what they can do to help- let them help you with something special for the funeral. I have taken note of creative things to […]
Cremation is a common method of disposition for human remains, and it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of cremation: Pros: 1. Flexibility: Cremation offers more flexibility in terms of memorial services and final disposition of the ashes. Families can choose to scatter […]
I know this is NOT fun to talk about, but so important. People are never prepared for this. I learned these things from talking with my mortician friend and from experience (things that were done or should have been done after my husband’s death. Luckily my mortician, my family or the media did most of […]
Planning a funeral when you are a new widow/widower is a daunting task, but you can do this! It was a very hard time in my life, ok the worst week of my life, but also the most special and spiritual. Later all I could think about was what I could have and should have […]
When selecting a gift for a young child who has lost a parent, it’s important to consider something that can provide comfort, support, and possibly a positive distraction during a difficult time. Here are a few ideas for gifts: 1. Memory book or photo album: A memory book or photo album can help the child […]
When a teenager has experienced the loss of a parent, it can be a difficult and emotional time for them. It’s thoughtful to consider gifts that can provide comfort, support, or a positive distraction during this challenging period. Here are some gift suggestions for a teenager who has lost a parent: 1. Memory book or […]
Telling a child that a loved one has passed away is an incredibly difficult and delicate task. It’s natural for parents and caregivers to want to shield children from pain, but it’s important to approach the situation with honesty, empathy, and reassurance. Here are some guidelines for discussing the loss of a loved one with […]
Following the loss of a loved one, there are many important tasks to manage. Here’s a checklist of urgent actions to take: •IMMEDIATE STEPS AFTER YOUR LOVED ONE PASSES AWAY• 1. Contact the local city or town office for opening and closing the grave. 2. Write and publish an obituary notice. 3. Gather information for […]
Navigating sexual intimacy after the loss of a loved one can be a deeply personal and complex experience. Grief can have a significant impact on a person’s emotions and their ability to engage in physical and emotional intimacy. It’s important to recognize that there is no right or wrong way to approach this issue, as […]
Losing a parent can be an incredibly difficult and emotional experience for children. They may be experiencing a wide range of emotions, including sadness, confusion, fear, and anger. It’s important to remember that everyone grieves differently, and children may not have the same coping mechanisms as adults. Here are a few reasons why your kids […]
The decision of when to start dating again after the loss of a spouse is deeply personal and can vary widely from person to person. There is no specific timeline or “correct” amount of time that a widow should wait before dating again. Some people may feel ready to date relatively soon after their loss, […]
It’s common for people to ask, “How are you?” But when you are a new widow, sometimes it is hard to know what to say back. Are they really wondering- an actual interest, or is it just what people say as a greeting? Answering the question, […]